Nicotine pouches have been marketed as a smokeless tobacco option for more than a decade, but products like ZYN pouches didn’t find a large following right away. In one study, 90% of people who’d never used ZYN or previously used it said they didn’t find the packaging appealing.
However, from 2019 through 2022, sales of nicotine pouches increased from 126.06 million units to more than 808 million units, with ZYN leading the pack with a 58.8% market share. Social media influencers featuring the products on platforms such as TikTok are credited with much of the rise of nicotine pouch popularity. But what is ZYN, really, and can you develop a ZYN addiction?
What Are ZYN Pouches, and How Are They Abused?
ZYN pouches are small packets that contain powdered nicotine. They’re purchased in round containers that look like the packages for certain types of mints. The powdered nicotine in ZYN pouches is enhanced with flavors, including mint, citrus, Bellini and espresso, and you can buy these products online or at stores like Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club.
ZYN is administered by what the brand calls “parking.” You place one of the pouches between your gum and lip — either the upper or lower one. ZYN tells people to keep the pouch in place for 60 minutes. During that time, saliva and other factors work on the pouch, causing a release of flavor and nicotine absorption through the mouth lining and into the bloodstream.
Individuals who become physically dependent on ZYN pouches or any other nicotine product can overuse them, leading to ZYN pouch abuse or ZYN addiction.
The Dangers of ZYN Pouch Abuse
When you use ZYN pouches, you may end up with more nicotine in your system than you would by smoking or using other methods. While some people promote ZYN and other smokeless tobacco products as a way to enjoy nicotine without the carcinogenic impact of smoking, there are potential health risks associated with introducing nicotine in any form into the body, especially in high amounts or over long periods of time. Some potential dangers associated with nicotine abuse include:
- Cardiac health issues. Nicotine can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. That can increase a person’s risks associated with stroke, heart attack and heart disease.
- Damage to gums. Constant use of a nicotine pouch might lead to gum damage and disease.
- Digestive distress. Excessive use of or accidental ingestion of nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues.
- Mental health issues. Nicotine has an impact on brain chemistry, and this can lead to mental health changes such as moodiness, anxiety or depression.
- Potential nicotine poisoning. If someone uses too much nicotine, they can experience poisoning, leading to rapid heart rate, confusion, headaches and, in rare and severe cases, death.
ZYN addiction can also lead to dangers that aren’t physical in nature. Someone who’s addicted and seeking an increasing amount of nicotine may make poor financial decisions, such as buying ZYN instead of food, for example. They may hide their nicotine use from concerned loved ones, potentially damaging those relationships.
ZYN Pouch Withdrawal Symptoms
ZYN and other nicotine products can be very addicting. If you’re struggling with a ZYN addiction, you might experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the pouches. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Cravings, sometimes intense, for specific types of nicotine products
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability or frustration with things that wouldn’t normally frustrate you
- Problems with focus and concentration
- Appetite changes, particularly an increase in appetite or food cravings that can lead to weight gain
- Bad dreams and trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Constipation and other digestive issues
- A sore throat or a productive, phlegmy cough
Withdrawals often make it hard for someone to quit using nicotine. They’re uncomfortable and unpleasant, and because ZYN pouch use doesn’t always come with the fear of immediate legal consequences, individuals may take the easier road and return to ZYN use instead of trying to quit nicotine.
Treatment Options for ZYN Pouch Abuse
Because tobacco and nicotine use is somewhat normalized and not illegal for adults over the age of 21, many people don’t realize there are treatment options to help you overcome ZYN addiction. If you’re struggling to stop abusing nicotine, you can find resources to help, including outpatient treatment, counseling and accountability programs. You may also be able to talk to your doctor about medically assisted treatment for nicotine addiction, such as medications or programs that can help you reduce nicotine use until you can safely stop using products like ZYN without experiencing withdrawals.
When to Call for Help
If you’re struggling with an addiction and know it’s negatively impacting your life, reach out for help. Often, the thought of trying to find someone to help with an addiction can be overwhelming, creating another factor that helps keep people in a substance abuse cycle. You don’t have to stay in that cycle. Reach out to the National Rehab Hotline today. Our confidential helpline is available 24-7 to help you find the resources you need to treat ZYN addiction or other substance abuse disorders.