Survey: Younger Australians at risk of using addictive nicotine pouches

EducationDaily

A University of Melbourne-led survey has revealed that almost three-quarters of Australians aged between 16-39 may be at risk of using nicotine pouches.

Nicotine pouches are pre-filled small bags containing nicotine that’s mixed with flavourings and sweeteners. When the pouches are placed between the lip and gum, their contents dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis surveyed 817 adolescents and adults who had never used nicotine pouches. Around 18 per cent of those surveyed were tobacco users, and 16 per cent were e-cigarette users.

Respondents were asked questions concerning their curiosity about using the products, how willing they were to use the pouches and whether they intended to try a nicotine pouch within the next six months.

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Peer pressure impacts

Susceptibility to using nicotine pouches was observed in 70 per cent of the survey’s respondents, with 66 per cent indicating they were curious about the pouches, 55 per cent saying they were willing to try a nicotine pouch if offered by a friend and 46 per cent intending to try the pouches in the next six months.

Those with positive attitudes towards the products and did not believe they were addictive were more likely to be at risk. Those with friends who used the products, as well as those who identified as currently vaping, or who had vaped in the past were also at risk.

“Given susceptibility to product use is a strong predictor of subsequent uptake, efforts are urgently needed to protect young Australians from these addictive products,” says Jongenelis.

“With the government cracking down on vapes, the industry and its retail sector allies have pivoted and are now selling nicotine pouches as they need to addict a new generation to nicotine to maintain shareholder profits.

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“These highly addictive products are illegal, yet readily – and cheaply – available in a variety of flavours. Enforcement efforts for vapes should include nicotine pouches.”

Young people need protection and prevention education

But because nicotine pouches are largely invisible once placed in the mouth, it can be hard to determine if a young person is using them. However, Jongenelis says that, to help tackle long-term addiction, “protecting young people from nicotine products is important”.

“These products also contain other chemicals that can be carcinogenic, so it is critical to address industry activities to protect public health efforts.

“Given that susceptibility to nicotine pouch use was in large part determined by current or past use of e-cigarettes, we also need to consider programs that take a multi-pronged approach to prevention and target use across a range of nicotine products, rather than focusing on only cigarettes or vapes.”

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