These days, there is a wealth of smoking alternative options in the market aimed at helping people get away from the harmful effects smoking has on the body and over to a safer alternative that still delivers the addictive nicotine craved by the user’s brain.
Over 6 million people are currently thought to be active smokers, with about 90% of smokers being addicted, according to a study by Smokefree Veterans. But the number of people addicted to nicotine, which is the addictive chemical in cigarettes, could be exponentially higher thanks to the rise of vaping across the world. Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in cigarettes, and it’s what keeps people smoking. This is where nicotine pouches come in, offering a safer way to satisfy the brain’s craving for nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking.
But while there is an abundance of data about the damaging effects of tobacco, nicotine on its own isn’t thought to have the same effect. The NHS states that without the presence of other chemicals, nicotine isn’t harmful healthwise the same way as tobacco. It is noted to be highly addictive. Other studies and experts are not sure, and there is research being done to uncover whether or not long-term use of nicotine impacts the body negatively.
But for people wanting to quit smoking and use nicotine products in place of cigarettes, there are options. One such option is the nicotine pouch. A tool long used by people wanting to stop smoking for a wide range of reasons. But why do you need to choose the nicotine pouch over other products to help you stop smoking?
Tobacco Free
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free. This removes the majority of the risks of smoking, as no tobacco is consumed. Cancer Research UK states that there are more than 5,000 toxins in cigarette smoke, and at least 70 of them are carcinogens.
Tobacco presents multiple health risks to the human body; however, when it is burned, it is increasingly and increasingly more dangerous.
Using nicotine pouches, for example, eliminates this risk to both the user and those around them, as they don’t send the chemicals into the environment to be inhaled by others. They just contain nicotine, which isn’t harmful in the same capacity.
Smokeless
If getting your nicotine hit without having to smoke is something you want to experience, one of the benefits of nicotine pouches is that they are smoke-free. You simply place the teabag-like product between your cheek and gums, and the nicotine is delivered throughout your body. No burning is involved, no need for lighters, and no smoke produced when using them. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth, providing a quick and discreet way to get your nicotine fix.
Suppose you want to reduce second-hand smoke for those around you. In that case, you want to be able to get your hit when travelling and spending long periods in smoke-free zones, i.e. airports and lies, this could be the perfect discreet smokeless alternative to smoking and indeed, vaping you are looking for.
Improved Dental Care
It is important to note that the NHS doesn’t currently recommend nicotine pouches as a nicotine replacement therapy. While a study of 31 people by Phillip Morris Products SA found that pouches can indeed deliver nicotine effectively, more research is needed.
Primarily, the NHS is concerned about the long-term risks associated with the nicotine salts on the gums and body as there isn’t currently enough research both for and against the benefits of this application method. It’s important to consider these potential risks when deciding whether to use nicotine pouches as a smoking alternative.
That being said, compared to smoking and the damaging effect the chemicals in tobacco have on the teeth, it is drastically better to swap to nicotine pouches from cigarettes; there is no staining of the teeth, build-up, odour or any other dental concerns associated with smoking.
Weight Control for Smokers
It’s a well-known fact that many people who stop smoking often put on weight. This is because they use food to satisfy the need to be doing something with their hands and mouth, and food can quite often help to alleviate the cravings and take the mind away from what it is asking for.
There is a lot of research that proves the correlation between a decreased appetite and smoking, and being able to use nicotine patches to get that nicotine can help people with the potential weight gain that comes with giving up. Now, it’s not a weight loss product on its own, and nor should it be used as one. However, if people want to stop smoking but circumnavigate the possible weight increase, nicotine pouches can be helpful in this instance.
Convenient and Discreet
Don’t want to draw attention to what you are doing? Need to be able to get your hit even if the circumstances don’t call for it, or you cannot excuse yourself quietly without fuss? Nicotine pouches can offer you a more discrete method of getting what you need when you need it compared to other options. Vaping can be considered ostentatious due to its attention-drawing aspects, i.e. plumes of vapour being released. And while you can stealth vape more discreetly, there will always be visible signs pointing to what you’re doing.
Nicotine patches revive that visibility, allowing you to get on with your activities with little to no disruption or distractions.
Cost Effective
The cost of a pack of cigarettes has increased by over 200% in the past 20 years, with the cost of smoking now sitting above 70p per cigarette. It’s an expensive habit to have, and for many, the ever-increasing cost is crippling their finances as they try to afford to satisfy their cravings.
On the other hand, nicotine pouches can be more cost-effective. Based on a 6mg nicotine pouch, which is the equivalent of one cigarette, some research on average costs of other products has found pouches can be up to or even more than 80% cheaper than smoking.
The exact savings will, of course, be dependent on the brand of pouches you use, your frequency of use and the size compared to the amount you make each day. But it’s safe to say that nicotine pouches can be incredibly cost-effective when used correctly in comparison to smoking.
Versatile
Nicotine pouches are a versatile product that allows users to tailor their experience to their needs. This means choosing the strength of the nicotine they require, the size of the pack, and the flavour (nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavours to choose from). This means they can adapt tiger nicotine intake as per their needs in a variety of environments and situations to help get the best possible experience.
It’s important to remember that nicotine pouches, while a valuable tool for stopping smoking, are highly addictive, much like any other nicotine product. When used correctly, they can be helpful in the pursuit of being smoke-free, but those using them should be aware of the risks of products such as these and should always consult with their doctor, especially if they have health issues currently, to ascertain their suitability for use.
Always buy your nicotine pouches from a reputable retailer, and do your research into the brand before you buy and understand what you are using prior to starting your pouch journey. This will enable you to make more informed decisions to ascertain if this is the right choice for you.
