It’s a fact that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing several related diseases. According to this report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 70% of adults who smoke say they want to quit, and over 50% of adult smokers attempt to quit each year. In the quest to break free from the grasp of smoking, an innovative solution has emerged: nicotine pouches.
These tiny, discreet pouches have sparked a silent revolution, offering a lifeline to those seeking to kick the smoking habit. In this article, we’ll explore how nicotine pouches can be a powerful tool in the journey toward smoking cessation and uncover the science and benefits behind this modern approach to quitting smoking.
The Dangers of Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It is associated with numerous well-documented health risks. These include lung, mouth, throat, and esophageal cancers, respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and reduced life expectancy.
There are also lesser-known health consequences, such as increasing your risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is the primary factor contributing to blindness in adults over the age of 65; fertility issues for both men and women; and periodontitis, a gum infection that destroys the bone that supports the teeth and a major cause of tooth-bone loss in adults, as we explained in a previous post.
These dangers highlight the critical importance of smoking cessation and adopting healthier habits for a better quality of life. As soon as you quit, your body begins to repair the damage caused by smoking. And this continues to restore itself for years afterward. One study even found that quitting smoking before the age of 44 years was associated with a reduction in mortality, which was 21% higher than that associated with never smoking.
What are Nicotine Pouches?
The primary harm from tobacco use stems from the combustion process, which creates toxic smoke containing tar and carbon monoxide. Nicotine, which makes up to 3% of tobacco, is an alkaloid and is considered relatively safe. Initial clinical trials have proved nicotine pouches to be an acceptable tobacco cessation tool. It is preferable over nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches and gums for smoking cessation.
Nicotine pouches are small pouches that contain nicotine, food-grade additives, fillers, a stabilizer, pH adjusters, noncaloric sweeteners, and flavorings. Also, they are designed to be placed in the mouth between the gum and upper lip. So, users absorb nicotine through the oral mucosa, providing a similar sensation to smoking without inhaling smoke.
In the U.S., the first nicotine pouch to be widely distributed was the brand ZYN, followed by On!, VELO, and Rogue. Because nicotine is a stimulant, its effects are dependent on the strength you choose and user tolerance. This article points out that the use of nicotine pouches may have side effects like hiccups, an upset stomach, and mouth soreness. While pouches are generally safe for use, the advice is for user discretion.
How to Use Nicotine Pouches for Smoking Cessation
First, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or smoking cessation specialist to develop a personalized plan for using nicotine pouches in your smoking cessation journey. After consulting with your doctor or counselor, begin by choosing a nicotine pouch strength that matches your smoking habits. Heavy smokers may opt for a higher nicotine content initially.
Then, decide on a quit date to quit smoking completely and switch to nicotine pouches. Over time, gradually reduce the nicotine strength of the pouches you use to help your body adjust to lower nicotine levels.
Most smokers report that one reason they smoke is to handle stress. However, once you stop smoking, you may become more aware of stress. For this, consider seeking support from a therapist or through a smoking cessation program to help you manage the psychological effects of quitting and increase your chances of quitting successfully.
With their convenience, reduced harm potential, and the ability to gradually wean off nicotine, nicotine pouches offer a promising path toward a smoke-free future. Embracing these pouches may indeed be the key to a healthier, tobacco-free tomorrow for many who are seeking to break free from the shackles of smoking.