How are nicotine pouches making teenagers their victims? What is the way to avoid this?

If you have teenagers in or around your home, it is important to know how trends like nicotine pouches are affecting their health. This article will explain how these can pose a threat that is small in appearance but has a huge impact.

 

Nicotine addiction in youth: The trend of nicotine pouches is increasing rapidly among teenagers, which look like small packets and are placed directly in the mouth. On social media, they are being presented as a trend that increases style, focus and confidence. But in reality, they are becoming a threat to health. The special thing is that these pouches do not look like smoked tobacco, so many times, the parents and school authorities of the children are also unable to understand what the children are using. This is the reason why now health experts and many organizations are demanding strict rules on this.

 

A 2024 survey of over 10,000 US high school students found that the use of nicotine pouches had nearly doubled (from 3% to 5.4%) compared to the previous year. These are small lipstick-like packets that are placed between the lip and gum. When flavored nicotine pouches like Zyn started to become a hot topic in 2013, social media was flooded with “Zynfluencers”, with videos and posts claiming to boost confidence, a sense of masculinity and focus.

 

 

Why addiction to nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches look small and easy to use, but the nicotine present in them can have a profound effect on the body and mind, especially for teenagers and young people. These pouches are kept in the mouth, due to which nicotine slowly reaches the body. Initially it gives a feeling of focus and energy, but this gradually becomes an addiction.

Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches:

Public health expert Dr. Sameer Bhati has told about the health problems related to nicotine pouches.

Effect on the brain: Taking nicotine at an early age affects the development process of the brain. This can weaken memory, attention and thinking ability.

Risk of addiction: Nicotine creates such a habit in the body that without it, a person starts feeling irritable, restless and tired.

Gum and mouth problems: Some people complain of gum irritation, mouth ulcers and tooth decay.

Effect on heart and blood pressure: Nicotine increases blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause heart disease in the long run.

Double threat with e-cigarettes: Many teens use both nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes simultaneously, which increases its impact on the body.

What is the concern about nicotine pouches?

These pouches are small, they do not contain any smoke, so teachers, parents or people around them are not able to detect them. This is the reason why children consume it secretly, and it becomes difficult to explain to them in time. Therefore, create such trust in the home environment that children can talk to you about anything without hesitation. Tell them that nicotine pouches are as dangerous as they look easy.

Ways to avoid nicotine pouches

Talk to children openly

Provide information about the effects of nicotine

Run awareness campaigns in schools and colleges

Monitor social media content

Strict ban on flavored products

Seek help from health counseling and therapy