Nicotine pouches are among the fastest-growing nicotine delivery products in the US. According to data, nicotine pouch dollar sales increased by 470% over the first half of 2020. People are drawn to them due to their discreet nature, availability of flavors, and the perception of reduced harm compared to traditional tobacco products. 

Nicotine pouches are particularly appealing to those concerned about the adverse effects of smoking and seeking alternative methods to satisfy their nicotine cravings. The absence of smoke and tobacco leaf in nicotine pouches gives users the impression that they are making a safer choice.

But what many people don’t know is that nicotine pouches still contain nicotine. In fact, their nicotine concentration levels are comparable to moist snuff and snus and often exceed levels found in nicotine replacement therapy products. As such, transitioning from smoking to using nicotine pouches can mean inadvertently trading one addiction for another.

This article will discuss the hidden dangers of nicotine pouches and provide steps to quit their use.

What are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small, dissolvable microfiber pouches pre-filled with nicotine salt powder, flavorings, and sweeteners. They are designed to deliver nicotine to the user without smoking or chewing tobacco. They are typically placed between the gum and lip, where they slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa.

Some popular brands of pouches include Zyn, Velo, and On!, and they come in colorful packaging that looks like mint containers. Note that nicotine and toxin levels vary significantly from brand to brand. For example, Zyn products, which are among the most popular in the market, have nicotine levels of up to 6mg per pouch.

Are Nicotine Pouches Safe?

The safety of nicotine pouches is a topic that requires careful consideration. While they are often marketed as a potentially safer alternative to smoking, it is essential to recognize that the long-term effects of this nicotine delivery method are still largely unknown.

The FDA classifies nicotine pouches as smokeless tobacco products rather than smoking cessation devices or pharmaceutical products. This classification means that they are not regulated as strictly as smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes.

The lack of stringent regulation and the limited research on pouches contribute to the challenge of determining their safety. The scientific community has not yet gathered sufficient long-term data to fully understand the potential health risks associated with the sustained use of these pouches.

Even though nicotine pouches do not involve tobacco combustion and the associated exposure to harmful smoke and carcinogens, they still contain nicotine. Nicotine can lead to a range of health risks:

• Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and nicotine pouches can lead to nicotine addiction. Regular use of nicotine pouches can create a physical addiction, making it challenging to quit or reduce usage. Attempts to quit nicotine may result in withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Nicotine can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. It can increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and constrict blood vessels, which can strain the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
• Oral Health Issues: Placing nicotine pouches in the mouth for an extended period may negatively affect oral health. Continuous exposure to nicotine and other chemicals in the pouches can potentially lead to gum irritation, inflammation, and damage to the oral tissues.
• Respiratory Effects: While oral pouches do not involve smoking or inhaling smoke, they can still impact the respiratory system. Nicotine in the body can cause bronchial constriction and inflammation, potentially worsening respiratory conditions such as asthma.
• Nicotine Poisoning: Misuse or overuse of pouches can lead to nicotine poisoning, especially in individuals not accustomed to high nicotine levels. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and seizures or respiratory distress in severe cases.
• Potential Gateway to Tobacco Use: The availability of flavored pouches and the appeal of a smokeless alternative may attract non-smokers, particularly young individuals, who may be more prone to experimentation. This can increase the risk of initiating tobacco use and developing long-term addiction.

How to Quit Using Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine can be as addictive as any other substance of abuse. But the good news is that it is possible to quit using pouches entirely with the right mindset and strategies. Here are quitting strategies to help you stop using:

1. Start by finding your motivation to quit. Reflect on why you want to stop using pouches. This could include improving your health, saving money, setting a positive example for others, or regaining control over your life. Write down your motivations and refer to them whenever you need a reminder of why you’re quitting.
2. Choose a specific date to quit using nicotine pouches. This will give you a clear starting point and something to work towards. Make sure the date is realistic and allows you enough time to prepare yourself mentally and gather support.
3. Determine the best approach for you when it comes to quitting pouches. Some people prefer a gradual reduction method, gradually decreasing the number of pouches used over time. Others may choose to quit “cold turkey,” completely stopping the use of nicotine pouches from the designated quit date. Choose the method that aligns with your personality and preferences.
4. Inform your family, friends, and loved ones about your decision to quit using. Their support and understanding can make a significant difference during challenging moments.
5. Consider joining support groups or seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or counselor specializing in addiction. They can provide guidance, accountability, additional tools, and behavioral therapy to assist you in your personal journey. Pay attention to situations, activities, or emotions that trigger the urge to use nicotine pouches. Common triggers include psychological aspects like stress, social situations, boredom, or certain habits. Recognizing these triggers allows you to develop strategies to avoid or manage them effectively.
6. Find healthy alternatives to replace the act of using pouches. Engage in activities that distract you and provide a sense of fulfillment or relaxation. This can include exercising, practicing mindfulness or meditation, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with supportive friends and family.
7. Quitting nicotine pouches may involve setbacks and challenges. It’s important to stay positive and maintain a mindset of resilience. Remember that slips or relapses are common but don’t define your journey. Learn from any mistakes and use them as opportunities to strengthen your commitment to quitting.
8. Acknowledge and reward yourself for achieving milestones along the way. Celebrate your progress, whether a day, a week, or a month, without nicotine pouches. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, or use the money you’ve saved to do something special.

The allure of a smoke-free, odorless nicotine delivery method may be appealing, but you should know that nicotine pouches do not eliminate the underlying addiction to nicotine. Quitting nicotine altogether remains the most effective way to improve overall health and well-being. If you’re seeking assistance overcoming nicotine addiction, it is best to consult healthcare professionals who can guide and support you in developing a comprehensive cessation plan.

Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people. That’s primarily because of its lower per-use cost and belief that it’s less harmful than traditional cigarettes. But vaping nicotine is not the safest alternative to smoking cigarettes as it poses serious health risks, especially among youth and young adults.

Vaping devices use e-liquids that contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain. Vaping also exposes users to toxic chemicals and metals that may damage the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. In February 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed over 2,800 e-cig or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) cases and 68 fatalities linked to the condition. EVALI cases are most evident among those who modify their vaping devices or use modified e-liquids.  

Despite these risks, many young adults continue to vape. Most of them overlook or underestimate the effects of nicotine. And the marketing tactics don’t help either, as companies promote their products as a trendy, cool, and harmless activity. They also use candy, fruit, mint, alcohol, and food flavors that appeal to youth, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction.  

What to Know about Vaping

Vaping involves inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by an electronic device called an electronic cigarette or vape pen. The device heats a liquid, called e-liquid or vape juice, which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, to create a vapor that is inhaled.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, which creates a pleasurable sensation. When a person uses nicotine repeatedly, their brain adapts to the increased dopamine levels and becomes dependent on it to function normally. This is what leads to addiction.

 A National Youth Tobacco survey found that over 2 million middle and high school students used e-cigs in 2021. Sadly, 99% of e-cigarettes found in most places in the US contain nicotine. But these products don’t disclose that they contain nicotine. And even those who say they have 0% nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.

Nicotine harms the developing brain and can affect impulse control, mood, learning, and attention. It can also increase the risk of future addiction. Beyond addiction, here are some other scary vaping facts:

Vaping might be safer than smoking, but it’s still not safe

Most people ask, is vaping worse than smoking, or is vaping safe? Vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes because it does not involve burning tobacco, which produces harmful tar, carbon monoxide, and many other toxic chemicals. However, it is essential to note that vaping still involves inhaling chemicals and potentially harmful substances such as nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. These substances can cause health issues such as lung damage, respiratory problems, and nicotine addiction.

E-cigarettes are just as addictive as traditional ones

E-cigarettes can be just as addictive as traditional cigarettes because many of them contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. In fact, some e-cigarette products may even have higher nicotine levels than conventional tobacco products. It is also worth noting that some e-cigarettes are designed to deliver nicotine more efficiently than traditional cigarettes, which can further increase the risk of addiction.

Vapes are not the best smoking cessation tool

Despite being promoted as a smoking cessation tool, electronic cigarettes have not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation device. A recent study found that a majority of those who vape as a way to quit smoking ended up continuing to use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Besides, e-cigarettes can still deliver nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can make quitting smoking more difficult. The same goes for nicotine pouches, snus and other oral nicotine products.

Not just nicotine

Many vaping devices can also be used with other drugs, including marijuana. A 2018 study found that 10.9% of college students had vaped THC in the past 30 days, an increase from 5.2% in 2017. Worse, other substances like methamphetamine, DMT, crack cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists can also be vaped. In 2016, the US Surgeon General cautioned that e-cig use among young adults is a significant public health concern in the country.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are physical and psychological symptoms when people who smoke tobacco or vape stop using. Symptoms usually peak within the first few days after quitting and can last several weeks or months. However, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Cravings
• Irritability and mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Concentration difficulties
• Constipation or digestive issues
• Headaches
• Increased appetite and weight gain

Impacts of Vaping on Adolescents and Strategies for Preventing Youth Vaping

As mentioned earlier, nicotine exposure during adolescence can affect brain development, including attention, learning, and mood regulation. It may increase the risk of addiction to nicotine and other substances later in life. 

Preventing youth vaping requires a multi-faceted approach, which may include the following: 

• Education: Raising awareness among youth, parents, and educators about the risks and harms of vaping can help prevent youth from starting to use e-cigarettes. This can include providing accurate information about the dangers of nicotine addiction and lung damage and dispelling myths and misconceptions about vaping.
• Policy: Implementing policies restricting access to e-cigarettes, including age verification requirements for sales, restrictions on flavors, and bans on marketing and advertising targeted at youth, can help prevent youth vaping. Also, policies prohibiting e-cigarette use in public places and workplaces can help reduce exposure to secondhand vapor.
• Enforcement: Enforcing existing policies and regulations, such as prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, can help reduce youth access to e-cigarettes. This can include conducting compliance checks and imposing penalties for retailers that violate these policies.
• Support: Providing support for youth trying to quit vaping, including access to counseling and resources, can help prevent relapse and reduce the harms associated with nicotine addiction.

Managing Nicotine Withdrawal

Managing nicotine withdrawal can be challenging, but some strategies can help alleviate symptoms and increase the chances of quitting smoking or other nicotine-containing products. Here are some ways to manage nicotine withdrawal:

• Nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a treatment that delivers nicotine in a different form, such as gum, lozenges, patches, or nasal spray, to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. NRT can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription, depending on the product.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as bupropion and varenicline, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by affecting the brain’s nicotine receptors. These medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

• Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

• Support groups: Joining a support group can provide individuals with social support and encouragement during quitting.

• Exercise and healthy eating: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and improve overall health.

It is also essential to seek professional help when trying to manage nicotine withdrawal, especially for individuals with a history of addiction or other health conditions. A healthcare professional can provide guidance and support, prescribe medications or nicotine replacement therapy, and help develop a personalized quit plan.