According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, almost 70% of adults who smoke want to quit, and three in five adults actually succeed. One nationwide survey found that quitters enjoyed benefits as early as forty-eight hours after quitting: 37% reported breathing better, 36% had more energy, 31% began to save money, and 26% felt their sense of taste return. With smoking cessation on the rise, the global alternative tobacco market is expected to grow by 9.4% from 2022 and reach over 64 billion dollars in 2033, according to research from Emergen. These options are ideal for quitters and those who simply want to transition to a smoke-free product amid rising restrictions. Here’s a breakdown of the different products on the market today:
Nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches are a smoke- and tobacco-free product that allow for discreet use. They’re placed under the lip for up to one hour, where they release nicotine and flavor without leaving stains behind. Various brands like Rogue, On!, and VELO offer these, with ZYN being the leading brand in the US. People moving away from cigarettes can consider ZYN spearmint 6mg pouches, which deliver a refreshing burst of flavor for those who like the taste of menthol cigarettes but find peppermint or cool mint flavors too strong.
These products are spitless, won’t stain or color your teeth, and won’t leave unpleasant odors. An advantage of nicotine pouches is the ability to customize your experience with a variety of strengths and flavors, depending on where you are on your quit journey. Menthol is a popular flavor that makes up 37% of US cigarette sales, and a menthol-tasting nicotine product may facilitate a smoother transition.
Nicotine patches
For those looking for a slow and sustained release of nicotine over an extended time, nicotine patches are another discreet option that can be worn under clothing. These nicotine replacement products are offered by companies like Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and the Cipla brand, among others. The Cipla Nicotex transdermal patches, in particular, release nicotine for twenty-four hours. Aside from the ability to wear it all day, users can also wear some patches while showering or bathing. Designed to begin at 21mg and end at 7mg, nicotine patches can help quitters taper their nicotine consumption. Gradually decreasing nicotine over time may help people avoid potentially debilitating withdrawal symptoms, which may result in relapse. In particular, patches are ideal for formal or business settings where the use of gums or lozenges may come off as unprofessional.
Nicotine gum
Quitting cigarettes can become a struggle as users seek the oral stimulation that they provide. Nicotine gum is a handy aid that soothes the fixation without the tobacco, tar, and carbon monoxide associated with cigarette smoke. The Nicorette cinnamon gum, alongside the brand’s spearmint, fruit, and other flavors, provides a burst of flavor while helping people gradually step down nicotine exposure. The brand also offers this product in lozenges and mini lozenges, providing users with more options depending on their lifestyle. Unlike regular chewing gum, one is meant to bite down slowly until a tingling sensation can be felt in the mouth. Then, the gum should be parked between the cheek and gums for a minute, which is when the process is repeated. According to the CDC, this is done until the tingling stops completely.
Our “7 Best Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer” post discusses the risks of lung, mouth, throat, and other cancers that cigarette users are more likely to develop. Even smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco carry a risk of oral and pancreatic cancer. Thus, moving towards a smoke-free and tobacco-free nicotine consumption method is something to consider. While the above-listed alternatives are not completely risk-free, they may minimize your risk of health complications explicitly associated with cigarette smoking.
