The adverse effects of cigarette smoking are widely documented, with experts noting it can heighten the risk of many diseases like depression and diabetes. Cigarette smoking’s effects are only compounded by time, which is why long-time smokers are vulnerable to serious conditions like age-related cancers, as explained in an article by Brian Sutton.
Despite its many cons, cigarette smoking is hard to give up. As a result, rather than shocking the body and going cold turkey, slowly weaning off cigarettes via alternatives is a more sustainable cessation method. One of the most popular ways to do this today is via nicotine pouches. So much so, in fact, that insights on Yahoo! note the demand for nicotine pouches is expected to swell its market worth to over $8 billion by 2030.
What are nicotine pouches?
These are small, white, pre-packaged pouches with controlled doses of nicotine inside. As explained in this study on ZYN nicotine pouches, the idea is to pop one in your mouth, park it between your upper lip and your gums, and let the nicotine inside slowly absorb into the bloodstream. This offers a smoke-free alternative to smoking, making it much more subtle than other cigarette replacements, like vapes, that still emit a vapor.
As their name implies, these products do include nicotine extracted from tobacco. However, they don’t contain any tobacco leaves. In some cases, the nicotine inside the pouches is also made synthetically, meaning some variants have no tobacco ties at all. Aside from nicotine, the most common ingredients in these pouches include food-grade additives, various sweeteners, fillers, pH adjusters, and some flavoring agents.
What makes nicotine pouches special?
Aside from the aforementioned feature of being smoke- and tobacco-free, nicotine pouches offer the benefit of personalizing your experience. This is typically done thanks to the variety of strengths and flavors that these products offer. Case in point, VELO nicotine pouches are some of the most popular on the market because they offer unique flavors. These include invigorating flavors like citrus and mint, warming flavors like coffee and cinnamon, and even more exotic flavors like dragon fruit and black cherry.
In terms of strength, these pouches also range from 2mg to 7mg. Newer users or those already weaning off cigarettes can opt for lower doses, while those who have a bigger dependence on nicotine can begin with the higher ones. All in all, these options allow users to customize and make the process more enjoyable, sustainable, and successful.
How do nicotine pouches help with cigarette cessation?
As mentioned earlier, going cold turkey often results in a relapse. In fact, studies from the Mayo Clinic reveal that over 95% of people who try to quit smoking this way end up going back to cigarettes anyway. This is usually because cigarette smoking develops mental and physical dependencies. Smoking is a self-soothing method for many, so by removing this habit, some smokers may struggle with finding a different coping mechanism. At the same time, the high amounts of nicotine in cigarettes can cause withdrawal symptoms in a body that’s been suddenly deprived of it. As per VeryWellMind, these symptoms can include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and more. As a result of these complications, plenty of smokers think it’s just easier and more beneficial to go back to cigarettes.
This is where nicotine pouches come in. By providing controlled doses of nicotine, these alternatives help quell cravings and keep withdrawal symptoms that may trigger a relapse at bay. Since pouches come in different strengths, a smoker can also use this as a means to slowly wean themselves off their dependence. Nicotine pouches can also help address certain physical side effects that cigarettes create. For instance, since pouches don’t have any tar or tobacco, they’re not going to stain the teeth, lips, and gums like cigarettes can. Because pouches also come in fresh flavors, they can combat the bad breath that some smokers develop.
In conclusion, nicotine pouches are a great alternative to cigarettes for those who want a more enjoyable and effective means of quitting smoking. While it’s still best to consult your physician so they can craft you a tailored quit plan, try asking how nicotine pouches can best work for you.