Big Tobacco is getting creative in its appeal to the youth market. With the increased distaste for vaping and e-cigarettes among youth as a result of them remaining a public health concern, a different type of flavored nicotine product is gaining popularity: oral nicotine pouches! As we like to reiterate, vaping/smoking is not the sole issue… but the nicotine that is being ingested by youth when vaping or using tobacco. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can ultimately negatively alter one’s brain chemistry, especially that of a developing teenage brain, to become inefficient without it. This is what leads to the addiction. And now there are pouches that can give a more direct dose.
Check out this article from the Truth Initiative:
“What is Zyn and what are oral nicotine pouches?”
We hope this information will reach our parents/guardians, teachers, and any other adults that deal with teens in order to keep them aware about what is in the market and what our kids may be exposed to!
If your child or a child you know is unable to stop vaping, please contact the child’s health care provider, school counselor, or other trusted professional to discuss ways to help them quit. You can also check out some of these resources below:
Text “QUIT” to (202) 804-9884
Text “DITCHJUUL” to 887-09
Georgia Tobacco Quitline (GTQL): 1-877-270-STOP (877-270-7867)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
The National Cancer Institute Quitline: 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848)