You might have noticed small, colourful tins of nicotine pouches popping up on social media, in shops, or even among friends. Brands like Zyn, Nordic, Velo, and On! are becoming a big deal, especially among young people. They’re marketed as a “cleaner” alternative to smoking or vaping, but before you tuck one under your lip, let’s break down what’s really going on, and why you should steer clear.

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches are tiny packets you place between your gum and lip. They don’t contain tobacco but are packed with nicotine, flavourings (like mint or fruit), and other ingredients. The nicotine gets absorbed through your mouth, giving you a quick buzz. They’re discreet, easy to use, and often come in candy-like flavours, which makes them super appealing to young people. But here’s the catch: they’re not as harmless as they seem.

The Risks of Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine is highly addictive, whether it’s in cigarettes, vapes, or pouches. It hooks your brain by triggering a feel-good chemical called dopamine, making you crave more. For young people, whose brains are still developing until around age 25, nicotine can cause serious harm. Here’s what you need to know:

Brain Development: Nicotine can mess with the parts of your brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. This could affect your schoolwork, mental health, and decision-making.
Addiction Risk: Teens are more likely to get addicted to nicotine than adults, sometimes even after just a few uses. Some pouches pack as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes, making it easy to get hooked fast.
Mental Health: Nicotine might feel like it calms you down, but it can actually worsen stress, anxiety, and depression over time, trapping you in a cycle of dependence.
Oral Health: Repeated use of pouches can lead to gum recession, tooth issues, and other mouth problems.
Gateway to Smoking: Studies show that teens who use nicotine pouches are more likely to try cigarettes or vapes later, increasing health risks like heart disease and cancer.

Addiction in General: Why It’s a Big Deal

Addiction isn’t just about nicotine, it’s when your brain gets wired to depend on something to feel “normal.” Whether it’s nicotine, alcohol, or drugs, or even gaming addiction can take over your life, making it hard to focus on school, friendships, or your future. It can lead to withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and cravings, which make quitting tough. The earlier you start using addictive substances, the harder it is to break free, and the bigger the impact on your health and goals.

The Trend Among Young People

Nicotine pouches are blowing up, especially on platforms like TikTok, where they’re shown off as cool and trendy. In the U.S., 1.8% of middle and high school students (about 480,000 teens) reported using pouches in 2024, and the numbers are rising in the UK too. In Great Britain, a 2024 survey found that younger people, especially those who already smoke or vape, are more likely to try pouches. Their discreet design and fun flavours make them easy to use at school or with friends without anyone noticing, but that’s part of the danger—they’re sneaky and addictive.

Why Are They So Popular?

Marketing Tricks: Companies use bright packaging, tasty flavors, and social media influencers to target teens, making pouches seem safe and trendy.
Peer Pressure: Seeing friends or online celebs use them can make you curious or feel like you need to join in.
Misleading Claims: Pouches are often sold as “safer” than cigarettes, but they still carry big risks, especially for non-smokers.

The Good News: You Can Get Support in Wirral

If you’re using nicotine pouches, vapes, or cigarettes and want to quit, or if you’re just curious and want to stay nicotine-free, there’s loads of help available right here in Wirral. You don’t have to go it alone!

ABL Health’s Stop Smoking Service: A Better Life (ABL) Health works with Wirral Council and the NHS to help young people kick nicotine for good. Their free service offers advice, support, and nicotine replacement therapy (like patches or gum) with no waiting times. You can contact them directly or ask your GP to refer you. Call 01204570999 or check out www.ablhealth.co.uk for more info. Most people who use their service quit within 12 weeks
HSIS Youth Work Team: Every Wirral secondary school, Wirral Sixth Form College, and Wirral Met College has a dedicated HSIS Youth Worker. They provide confidential, one-on-one support for any issue, including nicotine use, stress, or relationships. They can also connect you to sexual health services or other NHS partners in Wirral. Just ask your school or college staff how to get in touch with your Youth Worker—they’re there to help, no judgment. Visit their page for more info
Wirral 0-19 Duty Service: This service offers support and guidance for young people up to age 19. Wirral 0-19 Health and Wellbeing Service - Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust for help with nicotine, drugs, or mental health. They also work with school nurses who provide confidential advice.

How to Say No and Stay Healthy

Know the Facts: Now that you know the risks, you can make informed choices. Share this info with your mates to keep them in the loop.
Resist Pressure: If friends are pushing you to try pouches, it’s okay to say, “Nah, I’m good.” True friends will respect your choice.
Find Healthy Coping Skills: Instead of reaching for nicotine to deal with stress, try deep breathing, music, or chatting with a trusted adult or friend.
Get Involved: Join a school club, sport, or activity to stay busy and build a support system of people who lift you up.

The Bottom Line

Nicotine pouches might seem like a harmless trend, but they’re a risky trap that can lead to addiction and health problems. Your brain, body, and future are worth protecting, and there’s no better time than now to stay nicotine-free or get help to quit. In Wirral, awesome services like ABL Health and HSIS Youth Workers are ready to support you every step of the way. Don’t let a tiny pouch control your life reach out, and get informed.

Nicotine Pouches: The New Trend and Why Young People Should Think Twice