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. Each pouch has a set amount of nicotine — the addictive, psychoactive ingredient in tobacco.
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.
The perception that Zyn health risks are minimal may also play a role in its popularity — particularly among teens and young adults. However, despite their convenience and smoke-free nature, Zyn pouches carry risks that are often overlooked.
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.
Signs and Symptoms of Nicotine Pouch Addiction
Trying ZYN or other nicotine pouches once may not cause addiction—but consistent use often leads to nicotine dependence. Early signs can be subtle and build over time.
Common symptoms of ZYN or nicotine pouch addiction include:
- Increasing cravings for nicotine or frequent thoughts about using pouches
- Using ZYN more often or for longer periods than intended
- Difficulty cutting back or quitting despite wanting to stop
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, headaches, or difficulty concentrating
- Reaching for a pouch to cope with stress, boredom, or daily routines
If you feel reliant on nicotine pouches to get through the day, it may be time to explore cessation support or addiction treatment options.
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.
Health Risks of Long-Term ZYN Use
Even though ZYN pouches are tobacco-free, they still expose users to nicotine addiction and potential long-term health issues.
Potential health impacts of regular nicotine pouch use:
- Heart and cardiovascular risks: Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Nicotine poisoning: Using too many pouches may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, or seizures
- Oral and respiratory issues: Gum irritation, airway inflammation, or mild lung damage despite being “smokeless”
- Mental health effects: Long-term use linked to anxiety, depression, and mood instability
- Cross-addiction risks: Up to 75% of people with substance use disorders have a nicotine history, and smokers are twice as likely to relapse
Nicotine pouches may seem like a safer option than smoking, but consistent use carries real health and addiction risks. Recognizing these signs early can help you take steps toward quitting and improving your overall health.
Tobacco-Free Alternatives and Big Tobacco’s Latest Addiction
In response to growing demand for tobacco-free options, tobacco-free nicotine pouches have been introduced. While they don’t contain tobacco leaf, they still deliver nicotine derived from tobacco. These products are often marketed as safer alternatives and even as aids to quit smoking or other tobacco use. Compared to other cessation aids, such as nicotine gum, nicotine pouches differ in their delivery method, safety profile and potential for misuse, with ongoing debate about their efficacy and risk of addiction, especially among youth. However, their safety and effectiveness as cessation tools remain uncertain. While some U.S. Food and Drug Administration findings suggest that using ZYN pouches is less detrimental than smoking, more research is needed to determine if nicotine pouches are effective for helping people quit smoking. Understanding the role of various nicotine products — including nicotine gum, vaping and pouches — in cessation efforts is crucial.
Big tobacco’s latest addictive product, nicotine pouch products, poses a new challenge for global tobacco control efforts. These products are aggressively marketed with a focus on flavors and discreet use, tactics that particularly appeal to youth. Notably, sales of nicotine pouches increased significantly from 2019 to 2022, driven by marketing efforts and social media influencers, with ZYN leading the market share. This marketing strategy risks creating a new generation addicted to nicotine, undermining decades of progress in tobacco control.
Many countries are grappling with how to regulate and restrict the sale and marketing of nicotine pouches to address these concerns. The FDA has authorized the marketing of certain nicotine pouch products, but ongoing evaluation is necessary to monitor their impact on public health.
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.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms and support cessation efforts. Due to the addictive nature of nicotine products, quitting them can be challenging, making comprehensive support and treatment strategies essential for success. Support groups also play a vital role in helping individuals maintain a tobacco-free lifestyle. Public health officials continue to promote tobacco control policies that reduce the availability and appeal of nicotine pouches, especially among young people.
Although some nicotine pouch products are marketed as quit aids, more research is needed to confirm their role in smoking cessation and to develop evidence-based treatment protocols for nicotine pouch addiction.
Nicotine Pouch Use and Mental Health
Nicotine pouch use has significant implications for mental health, particularly among young people and high school students. The highly addictive nature of nicotine in products such as ZYN can quickly lead to dependence, which may worsen existing mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. For young adults, the developing brain is especially vulnerable to the effects of nicotine, with research showing that nicotine pouch use can disrupt areas responsible for impulse control and mood regulation. This disruption can increase the risk of mental health issues and make managing stress and emotions more difficult.
Nicotine withdrawal is another concern, as stopping the use of nicotine pouches often leads to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can further impact mental health, making it challenging for users to quit and increasing the risk of ongoing nicotine addiction. The cycle of dependence and withdrawal can create additional health risks, particularly for those already struggling with mental health issues.
Given these risks, it’s crucial for tobacco control efforts to include education about the mental health effects of nicotine pouch use. Accessible treatment options, such as counseling and behavioral therapies, should be promoted to help young people and adults address nicotine addiction and its impact on mental health. By raising awareness and providing support, we can help reduce the mental health burden associated with nicotine pouches and protect vulnerable populations from long-term health effects.
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.
Resources on Nicotine Pouch Use
Resources are available to help individuals quit nicotine use, including counseling, medication and support groups. Many states offer free quit-line services that provide counseling and support for those trying to stop using nicotine.