ZYN Withdrawal: Stopping Addiction to Nicotine Pouches
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Oct 1, 2024
,
04:03 p.m.
ET
ZYN has taken the world by storm in the past few years. Influencers tout the easy-to-use and easy-to-hide nicotine pouches, commenting on the appetizing flavor options and smoke-free benefits. While these sound like positive selling points compared to traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, ZYNs and nicotine pouches are far from harmless.
Like any other product that contains nicotine, withdrawal from stopping ZYN use is a very real consequence of overuse. Nicotine is highly addictive, regardless of how it is consumed, and those who use ZYNs need to be educated on the negative health effects, including potential withdrawal symptoms.
What are ZYNs and Nicotine Pouches?
ZYN is the most popular brand of nicotine pouches among non-combustible nicotine products that “big tobacco” has produced since the decline of cigarettes. These products are similar to the long-standing product, Snus, which is a pouch filled with shredded tobacco leaves.
ZYNs pouches are instead filled with nicotine powder and come in varying strengths and flavors. They are placed between the gums and cheek, slowly releasing nicotine into the bloodstream as it's absorbed through the mouth. These products promote the fact that they do not produce an odor, smoke or vapor and are easily concealed when using them. While nicotine pouches seem like a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, there are risks to using ZYNs, including the potential to become addicted to them.
Can you have withdrawal symptoms when stopping ZYNs usage?
Yes, withdrawal symptoms are very real effects of trying to quit ZYNs. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance in all of its forms, making ZYNs and nicotine pouches difficult to stop using. Dopamine is released into the brain when nicotine is absorbed in the bloodstream, releasing mood-changing effects that can cause a sense of euphoria.
When attempting to quit usage, some may experience symptoms of withdrawal and cause them to crave more nicotine to quell them, perpetuating ZYN use. Depending on the frequency of ZYN use, withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person.
Signs of ZYN withdrawal when quitting
Someone may experience withdrawal symptoms when quitting nicotine pouches. Signs of withdrawal from ZYNs may include:
Intense nicotine cravings
Mood swings
Irritability
Concentration issues
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety or depression
Change in appetite
Headaches
Fatigue
Constipation
Dizziness
Popularity of ZYNs in the U.S.
While ZYN is popular worldwide, its growth in the U.S exploded between 2019 and today. The company reported a 641% increase in sales from 2019-2023, and most recently there was even a shortage of ZYN in the U.S over the summer. In the first quarter of 2024, sales were up 80% in the U.S compared to the same time in 2023.
One of the biggest ways the company markets its product is through social media. ZYN has “ZYNfluencers” on platforms like TikTok who make content using and promoting ZYN. These platforms have a large reach, specifically among younger demographics, even though ZYN use and nicotine pouches are restricted to anyone under the age of 21.
Comments from various ZYN users state that the product is easy to hide, which is one of the most desirable parts of the product. Where smoking of any kind is restricted in many places or has a negative stigma, ZYN use can be done anywhere and is virtually undetectable. This creates a draw for those who want to use nicotine in places they shouldn’t, like schools, and for those who are underage and do not want to get caught using tobacco or other nicotine products.
How to quit ZYNs, stop using nicotine pouches
There are medical interventions that can be used to help manage ZYN addiction, despite the fact that they are highly addictive and difficult to quit. A common intervention to taper nicotine use is through nicotine replacement therapy or NRTs. A lozenge, gum or patch that has lower levels of nicotine helps someone reduce their ZYN use without giving up nicotine cold turkey. It is important to note that a nicotine patch may be a better alternative to lozenges or gum, as an oral fixation that may also be associated with using nicotine pouches.
Medication may also be prescribed to help manage nicotine addiction and reduce ZYN use. Two medications that help reduce nicotine cravings and minimize the effects of nicotine if used are Bupropion and Varenicline. Varenicline blocks the receptors in the brain that feel dopamine when nicotine is used, so it does not provide that euphoric feeling if a ZYN is used.
Behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) can also help someone treat compulsive nicotine pouch use. Behavioral therapies can help individuals learn to identify triggers that contribute to them using ZYNs and build healthier habits and coping mechanisms in its place.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ZYN or nicotine pouch addiction, or is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, Birches Health can help. Birches has a team of licensed professionals with experience treating addictions. Working with Birches is 100% confidential and remote, making treatment from the comfort of your own home possible.
Connect with Birches Health today to find out more about virtual therapy options to assist with nicotine addiction treatment.
