2.8 million teens reported the use of a tobacco product in 2023, almost ten percent of the middle and high school population. What began as a “safe alternative” to smoking has turned into a crisis for today’s youth. With easy access, enticing flavors, and a lack of awareness of the risks, teens are finding themselves hooked on nicotine in the form of vaping and Zyns, or nicotine pouches. With a dramatic increase in nicotine usage across the nation, Loudoun County has worked to reduce the use of nicotine by their students.
While nicotine is not classified as a Schedule I drug alongside marijuana, heroin, acid diethylamide (LSD), it is equally as addictive as cocaine or heroin according to the National Institute of Health. Student Assistant Specialist Ms. Teri Wilson works with Harmony Middle School and Woodgrove High School students, providing substance abuse and mental health education, assessment, prevention, and intervention services. She works with Woodgrove Psychologist Mrs. Heidi Buckner to support initiatives such as Substance Use Prevention, Social Emotional Learning, and Suicide Prevention. Ms. Wilson stated, “Nicotine addiction is a serious problem among teens, especially with the rise of vaping. Many teens don’t realize how addictive nicotine is, and flavored products make them seem harmless. This can lead to a cycle of addiction that affects brain development, memory, and learning, with long-term health risks like lung disease and heart problems.”
Zyns are a popular new form of nicotine use among adolescents. According to the American Lung Association, Zyns are a small pouch that contains nicotine. They are inserted into the mouth between the lip and gums, and have been shot into popularity due to their discreteness. They produce no odor or smoke and require no spitting like the similar chewing tobacco. They are also very hard to notice because of the way they are inserted into the mouth. With the inconspicuousness of nicotine pouches, it is incredibly difficult to detect when a teen may be using nicotine, but Ms. Wilson explained, “Parents should look for signs like increased secrecy, mood changes, irritability, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. Teens may also become more reliant on nicotine to manage stress or feel ‘normal,’ and might start spending more time with peers who also use nicotine.”
Zyns seem a lot better than vaping or smoking, but Ms. Wilson expanded on why they aren’t, saying, “They deliver high doses of nicotine quickly, which increases the risk of addiction. Because they don’t involve smoking or vaping, teens may think they’re safer, but they still pose serious health risks.” One of these health risks according to the American Lung Association is the fact that Zyns can be carcinogenic (cancer causing), and contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde, and nickel, according to an article made by BMC Chemistry.
Quitting nicotine is a hard process and can seem overwhelming, but there are still ways for addicted teens to start that process. Ms. Wilson gave guidance on starting to quit nicotine. She said, “Talking to a trusted adult, like a school counselor, parent, or healthcare provider, is a great starting point. Teens can also look into nicotine cessation programs, many of which offer free resources and tools to help with quitting. These programs often provide strategies for managing cravings, like stress-reduction techniques, healthier coping mechanisms.” She advised students that the key to quitting is to “set small, achievable goals, such as cutting back slowly or choosing specific times to be nicotine-free. Above all, persistence is important.” Woodgrove School Social Worker Ms. Kelly Trenary gave her advice. She claimed things one can do to help include “educating yourself, talking to your student assistant specialists at school, educating yourself on what the symptoms are going to be and what you can do about them, and coming up with some really good, healthy coping skills are good ways to start that process.”
Some teens may be scared that if they go to their counselors for help with their addiction they will get in trouble. Ms. Trenary explained, “If a kid comes up and hands us a vape, then they’re not gonna be in trouble, and if they just say, ‘Hey, I wanna quit smoking, help me quit smoking,’ we’re gonna respect that, but we have to communicate with parents if that happens.” However, Ms. Trenary also added, “The only time a student gets in trouble here at school is if they’re physically caught with something.”
The use of nicotine has health implications further than its addictive properties. Its impact on brain development, cardiovascular health, and long-term dependency highlights the need for greater awareness, education, and regulation. Whether consumed through traditional smoking, vaping, or Zyns, the risks it imposes underscore the importance for informed decisions and public health initiatives.