A few months ago, I was chatting with my Gen Z sister when she mentioned Zyn . Being a millennial, I had never heard of such a thing, and assumed it was a *cool* slang term in the vein of ‘ rizz .’ It turns out, Zyn is a brand of nicotine pouches that is majorly trending among Gen Z’ers. Having grown up seeing anti-smoking commercials and ads everywhere I turned, I heard the word nicotine and assumed the worst, so I reached out to certified alcohol and drug counselor Bryan Smith , the clinical director of Atlanta Detox center, to learn more about this buzzy alternative to smoking and vaping.
Meet the Expert
Bryan Smith , MA, CAADC, LAC, is the clinical director of Atlanta Detox Center . Having earned dual master’s degrees from Kean University in 2017, Bryan has over a decade of expertise in his field. His therapeutic approach prioritizes empathy and understanding, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to navigate their challenges and pursue healing and growth.
First, What Is Zyn?
Zyn is a popular brand of nicotine pouches (other popular brands include On!, Sesh and Velo). A nicotine pouch is a small bag that contains nicotine and some other ingredients, including flavoring, sweeteners and more. It doesn’t have tobacco leaf in it, so it’s sometimes billed as a safer alternative to smoking and dipping. When nicotine pouches are tucked in the mouth between the gum and the lip, the body absorbs the nicotine into the bloodstream through the membrane. Users say the effects include a tingling sensation, a head rush, a relaxed feeling and heightened mood. There’s also an alarming trend of using Zyn and other nicotine pouches as a means for weight loss , since nicotine is an appetite suppressant.
Are Nicotine Pouches Safe to Use?
While nicotine pouches do have a leg up on cigarettes and dip, since they don’t contain tobacco, there’s a lot we don’t know about the long-term effects. Per WebMD , they're also not officially considered smokeless tobacco, so the FDA doesn't regulate them as closely as cigarettes or other tobacco products. Of the thought that nicotine pouches are safer than vaping, Smith tells me, “In my opinion, there is not enough data to show which is safer in the long run.” Oral health professionals (like the orthodontist in the TikTok below) have also warned that using nicotine pouches like Zyn in the same spot repeatedly can lead to gum recession, potentially requiring a gum graft .
There’s also, of course, the threat of addiction, and all that comes along with it. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse . Smith explains, “A person using Zyn may become irritable when they don’t have it and will often experience mood changes based on the accessibility of Zyn. Withdrawal symptoms of Zyn may include headaches, restlessness, depressed mood and increased appetite, making it hard for users to quit.” Nicotine addiction is harmful at any age, but especially for the young folks who seem to be latching onto nicotine pouches at concerning rates. Smith says that nicotine dependency at a young age can have serious long-term health implications, including impacts on brain development, increased risk of other substance use and long-term dependency issues.
Why Are Nicotine Pouches So Popular with Younger Folks Right Now?
Smith tells me, “There are several factors to why young people are using Zyn at such a growing rate, and I’ll start with the anonymity. Unlike many tobacco products, Zyn can be purchased online by self-reporting one’s age. This convenient and discreet way to purchase makes it hard for parents and other stakeholders to detect use.” They’re also, he says, easier to use and more portable than, say vapes. Nicotine pouches are small, easy to carry around and don’t require devices like vapes or spitting like dip. Finally, Smith says, “Marketing never hurts. Young people are driven to what’s new, hip, and give the perception of independent thinking. Zyn hits all the marks, and its popularity proves it.”
If you know of an adolescent who may be struggling with nicotine addition, it’s important to know how to appropriately and effectively help, Smith says. “If you’re a parent who suspects their child is dealing with a Zyn addiction, there are several effective ways to provide support and help them break the addiction, such as open communication with the child, educating [yourself] on the substance, seeking out professional support—whether for the child to be receiving support alone or in a group setting—introducing healthy behaviors/alternatives and more.”
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