New Nicotine Product Popular with Youth
Oral nicotine pouches including brands such as Zyn, On! and Velo are becoming more popular with youth on Mercer Island. Oral nicotine pouches are now the second most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students, following e-cigarettes.
The nicotine pouches come in sweet, fruity and candy-like flavors and may give youth the misleading perception that the pouches are not harmful to their health. Flavors familiar to youth make these products more appealing to minors.
Agencies monitoring the rise of nicotine pouches like Zyn indicate that specific long-term health effects are unknown, however, we do know that youth use of nicotine in any form is unsafe. Nicotine use during adolescence can disrupt the formation of brain circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction. Research has shown early age of nicotine use is correlated with daily use and lifetime nicotine dependence. Nicotine use can also intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Mercer Island youth or parents seeking support can contact Chris Harnish, YFS School-Based Mental Health Counselor and Alcohol and Drug Intervention Specialist at MIHS.
Visit our Prevention Basics page to gather tips for talking with your child/teen about avoiding substances.
