The “Lip Pillow”: Why Nicotine Pouches Aren’t So Innocent
Nicotine pouches have taken off as a popular alternative to smoking, particularly among younger crowds. These small, smokeless pouches are placed between the lip and gum, releasing nicotine that is either extracted from tobacco or synthetically produced, without containing any actual tobacco leaf. Introduced to the U.S. market in 2016, brands like Zyn™ have gained popularity for their convenience, discreet use, and range of appealing flavors such as “wintergreen” and “citrus.”
A 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 1.8% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches, equating to an estimated 480,000 youth users. Although the survey showed a decline in e-cigarette use from 2023 to 2024, nicotine pouch usage maintained a steady rate. Catchy phrases like “zynachino” and “upper decky lip pillow,” which refer to the upper lip placement of the product, have transformed the use of these pouches into social media trends, only adding to their appeal among young students.Nicotine pouches have also gained popularity as they are marketed with “tobacco-free” labels, presenting as safer alternatives to cigarettes and vapes. Some may assume they cause no harm as the user is not physically inhaling the product. However, this perception of safety is misleading. Although these pouches do not contain tobacco leaves or produce smoke, they still deliver high levels of nicotine to the user.
A 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 1.8% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches, equating to an estimated 480,000 youth users. Although the survey showed a decline in e-cigarette use from 2023 to 2024, nicotine pouch usage maintained a steady rate. Catchy phrases like “zynachino” and “upper decky lip pillow,” which refer to the upper lip placement of the product, have transformed the use of these pouches into social media trends, only adding to their appeal among young students.Nicotine pouches have also gained popularity as they are marketed with “tobacco-free” labels, presenting as safer alternatives to cigarettes and vapes. Some may assume they cause no harm as the user is not physically inhaling the product. However, this perception of safety is misleading. Although these pouches do not contain tobacco leaves or produce smoke, they still deliver high levels of nicotine to the user.
The discreet packaging and smokeless design of nicotine pouches enhances convenience for users and may encourage overuse.
Image Source: Swenico
Nicotine is the key chemical that causes addiction. Nicotine triggers the brain to release dopamine, part of the body’s reward system, creating a sense of pleasure and reinforcing a habit. This makes it easy to become dependent and difficult to quit. The adolescent brain, which continues maturing until the mid-20s, is sensitive to nicotine’s effects. Nicotine use can disrupt brain development, slowing developing brain functions such as attention, impulse control, and learning. Despite being smokeless, nicotine pouches can still pose serious long-term health risks.
Even those who use nicotine pouches occasionally or in social settings aren't immune to addiction. Adolescents can develop nicotine dependence quickly, sometimes even before their use becomes regular or daily. This rapid onset of dependence highlights just how dangerous nicotine can be, especially in developing brains, making even casual experimentation risky.
Signs of nicotine withdrawal include cravings, such as feeling the intense need to use nicotine right when one wakes up, having trouble concentrating or sleeping, and feeling down or anxious. As the brain adapts to functioning without nicotine, these symptoms fade, allowing individuals to regain their focus, stabilize their emotions, and establish a healthier routine.
Even those who use nicotine pouches occasionally or in social settings aren't immune to addiction. Adolescents can develop nicotine dependence quickly, sometimes even before their use becomes regular or daily. This rapid onset of dependence highlights just how dangerous nicotine can be, especially in developing brains, making even casual experimentation risky.
Signs of nicotine withdrawal include cravings, such as feeling the intense need to use nicotine right when one wakes up, having trouble concentrating or sleeping, and feeling down or anxious. As the brain adapts to functioning without nicotine, these symptoms fade, allowing individuals to regain their focus, stabilize their emotions, and establish a healthier routine.
Featured Image Source: Swenico Pouches
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