Nicotine Pouches: Better than Smoking? Using tobacco and nicotine products is more common among service members than the general U.S. population. Nicotine use in the military has risen in recent years, and so has the widespread availability of various nicotine delivery methods. One popular example is nicotine pouches, which can be appealing because they are quick and discreet to use. Nicotine pouches contain a nicotine powder that dissolves when placed between the cheek and gum. Besides nicotine, these pouches may contain flavorings and sweeteners. They are often packaged to look like mint containers, and you may recognize common brand names like Zyn, On! and Velo. The amount of nicotine per pouch varies by brand, ranging from 1.5 milligrams (mg) to 15 mg. Although they are marketed as “tobacco-free,” nicotine pouches are not safe. Using nicotine pouches may cause gum irritation, hiccups, nausea and a sore mouth. In addition, nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that can be dangerous in large amounts. WANTED -NICOTINE POUCHES- THEY CLAIM TO BE TOBACCO-FREE, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN THEY ARE SAFE! REWARD A HEALTHIER YOU What’s So Bad About Nicotine? Short-term Effects: Nicotine can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Depending on your level of use, nicotine can stay in your body for up to eight hours. Long-term Effects: Nicotine can cause hardening of the arterial walls, which may increase your risk of a heart attack. It may also increase your risk of lung disease, mental health disorders and several types of cancer. Withdrawal: As with most addictive substances, there are side effects of withdrawal from nicotine. Nicotine pouches often deliver more nicotine than traditional cigarettes, which may result in higher dependence. You may experience irritability, restlessness and cravings when pausing use or quitting. During Pregnancy: If a mother uses nicotine while pregnant, it can harm the developing fetus. Nicotine can cause low birthweight, preterm delivery, stillbirth and impaired brain and lung development. Who is Most at Risk? Your risk for tobacco and nicotine product use is higher if you: Are below 25 years old Identify as male Are an enlisted rank Drink excessive amounts of alcohol Are at increased STI risk What If I’m Trying to Quit Smoking? Nicotine pouches are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation method. Consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) instead, which safely helps relieve physical withdrawal symptoms for those who have quit smoking. FDA-approved forms of NRT include nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers and nasal spray. To explore these options, click here. Nicotine pouches may offset some risks associated with smoking cigarettes, but they are not considered safe. The long-term health effects of using nicotine pouches are unknown. Additional Resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “How to Quit Smoking” You Can Quit 2 – “Nicotine Replacement Therapy” References American Heart Association – “How Smoking and Nicotine Damage Your Body” American Lung Association – “Nicotine” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “7 Common Withdrawal Symptoms” Gould, TJ – “Epigenetic and long-term effects of nicotine on biology, behavior, and health” Military Health System – “Tobacco and Nicotine Use Among Active Component U.S. Military Service Members” Truth Initiative – “What is Zyn and what are oral nicotine pouches?” University of Nebraska-Lincoln – “Nicotine pouches: Are they safer than chewing, smoking or vaping?”
