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Being in contact with so many schools we are kept abreast of emerging trends (thank you), and it seems that nicotine pouches are the new thing on the block. They are the fastest growing nicotine delivery product in the US and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Derived from traditional Swedish Snus (pronounced snoos), nicotine pouches provide a tobacco-free, smoking experience. They are manufactured using a form of dehydrated nicotine with added flavours (think cherry, strawberry, mint), and they usually contain plant fibres and sweeteners. They generally contain 8mg of nicotine per pouch but nicotine levels maybe higher or lower. They are sold in supermarkets and online and cost approximately £5 for twenty. Unlike smoking or vaping they can be used anywhere, at any time, because they are tucked neatly between the lip and gum, and produce no vapour, smoke, or smell.
They are usually kept in the mouth for up to an hour and must not be swallowed (seek medical advice if swallowed). Whilst the absence of tobacco is a good thing, nicotine is highly addictive, and being able to access it in such a discreet way means some young people are using it to get a nicotine hit in lessons.
Nicotine pouches are not considered to be medicinal products. They cannot be sold to minors, but that is not stopping young people getting hold of them, and whilst they are undoubtedly less harmful than both smoking and vaping, they are not harm free. For all of us nicotine increases our heart rate and causes a surge of endorphins which can relieve stress and pain. It also stimulates the release of dopamine which creates feelings of pleasure and reward, but the feeling of reward is short lived, so people do more to get more, and so the cycle of use/addiction is established.
Nicotine is particularly harmful during adolescence when the brain is still developing. It can negatively impact the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, but there are many other side effects associated with nicotine use, including:
It is important that we talk to young people about the risks associated with nicotine pouches so that they can make informed choices.
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