How to Stop ZYN Addiction, Quit Using Nicotine Pouches
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Aug 29, 2024
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11:38 a.m.
ET
There’s a new nicotine craze sweeping the country, as ZYN nicotine pouches have become so popular that stores and newsstands struggle to keep them in stock. The smoke/vapor from past years of Juul-mania has largely dissipated, and ZYN has seemingly become the go-to replacement for nicotine cravers across the country.
After a slow start following its introduction in 2014, the smokeless and spit-less ZYN nicotine pouches have seen a rapid rise in popularity. The American Lung Association reported that the sale of ZYN and nicotine pouches has increased 641% between 2019 and 2022.
ZYNs contain nicotine powder, as opposed to tobacco leaves, and of course nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine releases dopamine in the brain the same way that other drugs do, which makes it very addictive and hard to quit once a habit has developed.
What are ZYNs? What do nicotine pouches do?
ZYN is a very popular brand of nicotine pouches that has gained significant momentum over the past few years. Nicotine pouches are placed between the lip or cheek and gums, and the nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining and into the bloodstream.
Nicotine pouches typically come in 3 or 6 milligrams of nicotine per pouch, in a plastic container of 15 to 20 pouches. Like Juul was (for a time), they also are available in a variety of appealing flavors, such as coffee, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon and citrus. ZYNs can provide a rush of nicotine to the body and dopamine to the brain. Over time, they can lead to an addiction.
Can you get addicted to ZYNs?
According to University Hospital, nicotine is addictive in all forms. ZYN and other nicotine pouches are just as addictive and likely to form a dependence as cigarettes and vaping.
When someone uses a nicotine pouch, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine causes a mood-changing effect that can make someone feel temporarily happy or more relaxed when they use ZYN. When the effect of nicotine has worn off, the brain craves more dopamine, which is what makes it addictive.
Surge in popularity of ZYNs in the United States
ZYN usage has skyrocketed in the United States over the last few years. More recently, ZYN sales in the United States went from 6 million in 2018 to 334 million in 2023. The company uses “Zynfluencers” on popular social media platforms, like TikTok, which markets to a primarily younger demographic, despite the age restriction for buying nicotine pouches to be 21. ZYN comes in multiple flavors and says it is a discrete product, which makes it even more desirable for those who want to hide their nicotine use.
Can ZYNs and nicotine pouches be harmful?
Prolonged use of nicotine pouches can have a negative effect on the body, and in younger people their brains as well. Nicotine use can cause long term issues with the lungs and stomach.
It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure while narrowing arteries, all of which can lead to a heart attack. When the brain is still developing in adolescents or young adults, nicotine use can cause an increase in impulsive behavior and other ADHD-type symptoms.
Dr. Donna Shelley of NYU Global Public Health said that while nicotine pouches don’t cause the same health problems as products containing tobacco, she wouldn’t call them “safe.”
“Some of the negative health effects of the nicotine pouches include gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, gum soreness and ulcers, and also some cardiovascular risks like elevated heart rate,” said Shelley, who researches tobacco control, adding, “We don’t know the full safety profile yet.”
Treatment options for ZYN addiction and the compulsive use of nicotine pouches
While nicotine pouches are highly addictive, there are treatment options that can help people kick their ZYN habit. First, there are several medical interventions that can be used to help treat a ZYN addiction.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a popular way to help taper down nicotine use. The idea is that a lozenge, gum or patch with levels of nicotine in it can help someone reduce their ZYN use. While a lozenge or gum may seem ideal for quitting ZYN, a nicotine patch removes the oral fixation part of using a nicotine pouch and may be more successful in reducing nicotine pouch usage.
There are two medications that have also been approved to help someone treat nicotine addiction. Bupropion helps to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline works in two ways by mimicking the effects of nicotine on the brain which reduces nicotine cravings and reducing the effect of nicotine if used. This makes using ZYN less enjoyable since the medication blocks the brain receptors from feeling the dopamine hit from nicotine.
Behavioral therapy can also help someone treat compulsive nicotine pouch use, in addition to medication or NRTs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular treatment for nicotine addiction. CBT can help someone learn to identify the triggers that make them want to use nicotine pouches and replace the negative habit with positive coping mechanisms. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is another therapy technique that encourages people to find motivation to make healthy changes in their life and stop ZYN use.
If you or a loved one is struggling with ZYN or nicotine pouch addiction, Birches Health has licensed professionals you can speak with right away. Birches offers virtual, confidential treatment from the comfort of home, likely as a complementary part of treatment alongside medical intervention methods.
Reach out to Birches Health today to find out more about virtual counseling options to assist with nicotine addiction treatment.
Recognizing a problem: Signs of ZYN addiction
How do you know if ZYN use is recreational or bordering on addiction? Common signs of ZYN addiction can include:
Secretive behavior surrounding ZYN use
Inability to stop using nicotine pouches despite negative effects
Preoccupation with thoughts of ZYN and desire to use more
Withdrawal symptoms whens stopping ZYN use
Prioritizing getting and using ZYN over other commitments
Change in appetite or weight loss
Mood swings or behavioral changes
