Nicotine Pouches: An Emerging Trend and Implications for Young People
Nicotine pouches, discreet packets containing nicotine and flavourings, are gaining traction among UK youth, marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking or vaping. Brands like 4NX, Kingston, UBBS, Velo, and Nordic Spirit appeal to young people with vibrant packaging and flavours like mint or berry. As professionals working with young people, understanding this trend and its risks is critical to supporting healthy choices.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products placed between the gum and lip, delivering nicotine through oral absorption. Available in strengths from 1.5mg to 32.5mg, they offer a quick “buzz” and are discreet, making them appealing to teens. While marketed as less harmful than cigarettes, their high nicotine content and accessibility pose significant risks, particularly for non-smokers.
Risks of Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive, impacting the adolescent brain, which develops until around age 25. Key risks include:
Neurodevelopment: Nicotine disrupts attention, learning, mood regulation, and impulse control, potentially affecting academic performance and mental health.
Addiction Vulnerability: Adolescents are more prone to nicotine dependence, sometimes after minimal use. High-strength pouches (e.g., Kingston’s 32.5mg) match the nicotine in a pack of cigarettes, increasing addiction risk.
Mental Health: Nicotine may exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, creating a dependency cycle.
Oral Health: Chronic use can cause gum recession and dental issues.
Gateway Effect: Evidence suggests pouch users are more likely to try cigarettes or vapes, elevating long-term risks like cardiovascular disease.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction, whether to nicotine, substances, or behaviours like gaming, rewires the brain to prioritise the substance or activity, leading to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, cravings) and reduced focus on education or relationships. Early exposure amplifies these effects, making prevention and early intervention critical.
Prevalence and Appeal Among Young People
In the UK, nicotine pouch use is rising, particularly among young people who smoke or vape. A 2024 survey indicated increased uptake among younger demographics, driven by social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers promote pouches as trendy. Their discreet design and flavours facilitate use in schools, evading detection. Marketing strategies, including colourful packaging and misleading “safer” claims, target teens, necessitating proactive youth work responses.
Supporting Young People in Wirral
Youth workers play a vital role in addressing nicotine pouch use. Wirral offers robust support services:
ABL Health Stop Smoking Service: Provides free, tailored support, including nicotine replacement therapy, for young people. www.ablhealth.co.uk. Most participants quit within 12 weeks.
HSIS Youth Work Team: Dedicated Youth Workers in Wirral secondary schools, Wirral Sixth Form College, and Wirral Met College offer confidential support for nicotine use, mental health, and related issues. They connect youth to NHS services, including sexual health. Contact via school staff or directly through ZILLO
Wirral 0-19 Duty Service: Offers guidance for those up to age 19, collaborating with school nurses. Wirral 0-19 Health and Wellbeing Service - Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust