Johnpaul began using nicotine pouches to help him get off vapes – but says it just led to another addiction. At one stage he was using 15 pouches a day, although the 16-year-old has now cut back to five. Health experts say the pouches – small sachets that fit between the top lip and the gum, nicknamed "snus" by some teenagers - are addictive and may have other harmful side effects. They are largely unregulated in the UK and there is currently no law to stop children buying them. Some campaigners fear that the ban on disposable vapes which comes into effect on 1 June could see more young people turning to the stronger nicotine pouches. Johnpaul started using the pouches as a coping mechanism, and to help him get off vapes. "It just led to another addiction," he said. "It's just an instant hit. It makes me forget my surroundings. "I'm not going to say I don't enjoy that, I do, but there are still a lot more negatives to it than there are positives." Johnpaul is working with other young people to raise awareness about nicotine pouches as part of a project with the charity Fast Forward and the Skills Training Programme at West Lothian Council. While packs contain age restriction warnings, Johnpaul says he has no problem buying them. "At the moment, I really don't want to stop, but I definitely want to cut down and cut down the amount of milligrams I'm taking. "Just keep it as low as I can, so it'll be a lot easier to quit when I feel that I'm ready to." Lee, 16, says he and most of his friends use nicotine pouches – although he wishes he had never started. "Most times people wouldn't know because it's tucked away in your gum and sometimes you can push it up so people really can't see it," he said. "I've tried to stop before, but it's something you can get highly addicted to, which is quite a bad thing. "If I could go back and not start, I would." Aleksandra, 16, has tried nicotine pouches, but says they're not for her. "It was fine for the first five minutes and after you swallow your spit it doesn't taste good. "It burns and it makes you feel sick. It wasn't great." She says the products are marketed towards young people on social media and given away at railway stations, where they can easily be given to teenagers who look older. Leigh Ronald from Fast Forward, which offers health and wellbeing support, says young people are increasingly talking about pouches and looking to find out more information. She says it is likely that they will look for alternatives, like nicotine pouches, when the ban on disposable vapes comes into effect across the UK on 1 June. Most pouches contain six to 20 milligrams (mg) of nicotine, while some contain 50mg - about five times stronger than an average cigarette. The pouches are often referred to as snus, although that is a different product which contains tobacco and has been banned in the UK and EU since 1992. The general use of nicotine pouches remains low in Great Britain. Research suggeststhat about 5% of adults and 3% of under-18s have tried them – but use appears to be increasing and is higher in some groups, particularly young men. One popular brand reported a 121% increase in sales in 2023. Retailers approached by BBC Scotland said they did not sell nicotine pouches to under-18s. Alan McLevy is head of manufacturing at VPZ, which sells vapes, pouches and other nicotine products. He says his firm operates a Challenge 25 policy and that its aim is to help people quit smoking. He said: "If you've not smoked before, if you've not vaped before, there's absolutely no need to buy a pouch. None whatsoever. "It's a harm reduction technique and it's for current smokers to find a way to stop using combustible cigarettes." Dr Richard Holliday, senior lecturer at the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University, says nicotine pouches are less harmful than cigarettes - but not risk free. His team recentlypublished an article on nicotine pouches in the British Dental Journalthat was downloaded more than 250,000 times. It says more research is needed and that there may be an impact on oral health – such as gum recession. "The paper has obviously touched a nerve. I think a lot of people are looking for information on this topic," he says. Dr Zoe Coyle, a lecturer at the Dental Institute in Edinburgh, also warned that repeated use of nicotine pouches can lead to gum recession and other issues with teeth and lips. "I would be concerned particularly about young people using nicotine pouches," she says. Sheila Duffy, chief executive of anti-smoking charity Ash Scotland, says teachers have raised concerns about the pouches, which retail at "pocket money prices". "It's very fast absorbed, it can easily be twice the level of nicotine in nicotine replacement therapy. So this is very highly addictive," she said. "Addiction to nicotine in any form opens you up to the whole profile of products – industry knows this. "So a kid that starts using nicotine pouches, which are easily concealed, which may be highly flavoured and attractive because they've been pushed through social media, that child is much more at risk of ending up as a smoker." UK-wide legislation is being proposed to ban the sale of nicotine products - including pouches - to under-18s. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would also stop free distribution and give ministers the power to regulate the flavours, packaging and display of all vapes and other nicotine products. Ash Scotland say it is a step in the right direction, but fears that the introduction of new regulations will take too long.
Nicotine pouches helped me quit vaping – but now I'm addicted
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rising Concerns Over Nicotine Pouches Among Teenagers Amid Vaping Ban"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Johnpaul, a 16-year-old, began using nicotine pouches as a means to quit vaping but instead found himself developing a new addiction. Initially, he was consuming up to 15 pouches daily, although he has since managed to reduce that number to five. These pouches, which are often referred to as 'snus' by teenagers, are small sachets that are placed between the lip and gum. Health experts are raising concerns about their addictive nature and potential harmful effects, particularly since they are largely unregulated in the UK. There are currently no laws preventing children from purchasing these products. With a ban on disposable vapes set to take effect on June 1, some campaigners worry that this may lead to an increased interest in nicotine pouches among young people. Johnpaul describes the pouches as providing an instant hit that helps him escape his surroundings, acknowledging that while he enjoys the sensation, he is also aware of the negatives associated with their use. He is actively working with peers to raise awareness about the risks of nicotine pouches through a project with the charity Fast Forward and local council programs.
The conversation around nicotine pouches is growing among teenagers, with many expressing regret over their initial use. Lee, another 16-year-old, shares that he and his friends often use them, despite wishing he had never started. The discreet nature of the pouches makes them appealing, as they can be concealed easily. However, some, like Aleksandra, have had negative experiences with them, citing unpleasant side effects. Experts, including Dr. Richard Holliday and Dr. Zoe Coyle, warn that while nicotine pouches may be less harmful than cigarettes, they are not without risks, particularly for young users. Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on oral health, including gum recession. Sheila Duffy from Ash Scotland highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures, as these products are often marketed to youths at accessible prices. Proposed legislation aims to ban the sale of nicotine products to those under 18 and regulate their marketing, but fears persist that the implementation of these regulations may take too long to be effective.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a troubling narrative regarding the use of nicotine pouches among teenagers, particularly focusing on Johnpaul's experience. It highlights the unintended consequences of using these products as a means to quit vaping, showcasing the addictive nature of nicotine pouches.
Public Health Concerns
The discussion raises significant public health concerns about nicotine pouches, especially given their unregulated status in the UK. The article suggests that these pouches may lead to another form of addiction, potentially even more harmful than vaping itself. This aligns with broader health narratives aiming to address the increasing prevalence of nicotine use among younger populations.
Youth Perspectives
By sharing the voices of young individuals like Johnpaul and his peers, the article aims to create awareness about the risks associated with nicotine pouches. This inclusion of personal testimonies can resonate with other teenagers, fostering a sense of community and shared experience, while also encouraging them to think critically about their own choices.
Regulatory Implications
The mention of the upcoming ban on disposable vapes hints at a potential shift in youth smoking habits. The article implies that this regulatory change could inadvertently push more young people toward nicotine pouches, prompting discussions on the need for stricter regulations on these products as well. This could lead to public pressure on lawmakers to take action, thereby influencing future tobacco and nicotine-related policies.
Social Commentary
The insights shared by the teenagers reflect a broader societal issue regarding the accessibility of nicotine products to minors. The article subtly critiques the lack of stringent age restrictions on nicotine pouches, calling for greater accountability from retailers. This commentary is intended to provoke thought about societal responsibilities in protecting youth from addictive substances.
Manipulative Elements
There are elements in the article that could be perceived as manipulative, particularly in how it emphasizes the addictive nature of nicotine pouches and the lack of regulation. While the information is grounded in real experiences, the emphasis on addiction could evoke fear and urgency, potentially influencing public perception and policy discussions around nicotine products.
Comparison with Other Narratives
When compared to other reports on nicotine use among youth, this article emphasizes personal stories more than statistical analysis. This choice may serve to humanize the issue, making it more relatable to readers, particularly parents and educators who may be concerned about youth health.
Economic and Political Considerations
The health implications discussed could impact public health spending, as more resources may be allocated to address nicotine-related health issues. Politically, the article could mobilize support for stricter regulations on nicotine products, influencing future legislative actions.
Community Support
The article appears to resonate particularly with health advocates, educators, and parents who are concerned about youth addiction. It seeks to engage these groups in a dialogue about the dangers of nicotine pouches and the need for preventive measures.
Market Impact
In terms of market implications, this narrative may affect companies that produce nicotine pouches, potentially leading to decreased sales if public sentiment turns against them. Conversely, companies positioned to offer safer alternatives might see increased interest from health-conscious consumers.
The article effectively raises awareness about a pressing public health issue while weaving in personal experiences that resonate with readers. The potential for manipulation exists, particularly in the framing of addiction, but the underlying truths about nicotine pouches and their impact on youth are significant and deserve attention.