The term “smokeless tobacco” may seem harmless to some teens, but it is not. Nicotine pouches are the newest smokeless tobacco product on the market, meaning they do not contain ingredients derived from tobacco leaves.
But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use them. Read on for the facts about nicotine pouches and conversations you can have with your kids about them.
What are nicotine pouches?
Oral nicotine pouches are small, white pouches that contain nicotine, flavors, and other ingredients. These are placed between the lip and gum. As they dissolve slightly, nicotine is released into the bloodstream. The user experiences the nicotine “hit” without smoking or spitting.
Current common slang terms for nicotine pouches are “upper decky” and “lip pillow”.
What risks come with nicotine pouches?
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that has some serious risks, especially for children and teens.
- small children The greatest risk is accidental poisoning from nicotine pouches.
- Nicotine exposure exceeds 73% children under 6 years of ageaccording to America’s Poison Center.
- Swallowing even a part of a sachet with high nicotine content can be life threatening to a child.
- teen Due to the high nicotine content, people can easily become addicted to nicotine pouches.
Youth who use any nicotine products have a higher risk of developing habits that can lead to substance abuse or addiction in the future.
However, accidental poisoning and addiction are not the only risks of nicotine use. Use this list of topics below to talk to your children about the dangers of nicotine and nicotine pouches.
6 nicotine pouch facts to discuss with your teen
The attractive taste is one of the main reasons why youth start using nicotine pouches at an early age. It is important to help them understand the negative sides. Use these facts to help make them aware of the effects of nicotine on the body and brain:
- Nicotine pouches contain chemicals that can cause cancer.
- Nicotine use during puberty can impair brain development, attention, learning, and memory.
- Use of nicotine products affects the heart. They cause an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure and a reduction in blood flow. Long-term use may cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and/or stroke. Young people may be at greater risk of long-term effects because their heart and nervous systems are still developing.
- Nicotine from nicotine pouches is rapidly absorbed into the body. This may increase the possibility of addiction.
- Nicotine can be poisonous in large amounts. This means that even small amounts can be dangerous for young children.
- Using Nicotine Sachets May be associated with poor mental health outcomes. Users can experience:
- Decreased ability to control impulses
- Decreased cognitive ability, meaning your mental skills don’t work as well
- Increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression
How to start conversations with your kids
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to talk to your children about the dangers of nicotine and nicotine pouches. Here are some suggestions for starting the conversation:
- Lead with empathy. Avoid making allegations.
- Encourage your children to be open with you about any drug use-related conversations. Provide a safe space for honesty.
- Emphasize that these products may seem safe, but they have hidden risks.
Use of nicotine pouches is still low. However, it is important to start the conversation early to prevent future substance use or abuse.
The bottom line is that use of any tobacco product during puberty is unsafe.
Safely store nicotine pouches for adult use
If you keep nicotine pouches for adult use in your home, follow these guidelines to store them safely.
- Store products up and away. Keep nicotine pouches out of the reach of children and pets. A closed cabinet is the safest place.
- Keep products in their original containers. Unmarked containers may cause accidental exposure.
- Do not use products in front of children. Children like to copy. Teach your children that these products are for adults only.
What are the symptoms of nicotine poisoning?
Symptoms of nicotine toxicity may include:
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomit
- pale skin
- to sweat
- Nervousness
- rapid heart rate
- shocks
