Nicotine is a chemical derived from tobacco plants which is best known for being the addictive property in cigarettes, and now in vaping devices. Newer products such as nicotine pouches have been pushed by tobacco companies as safer, tobacco free alternatives, although the nicotine contained within is harmful in its own right.

When nicotine enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, it takes over the part of our brains that are responsible for recognizing pleasure. Nicotine “hijacks” our brain’s reward pathway with an unusually high surge of dopamine. The brain adapts to that surge, and in order to maintain that level, the brain needs more nicotine. In fact, nicotine is as addictive as heroin. It increases heart rate and risk of harmful blood clotting, disturbs sleep, increases risk for fertility issues, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory failure.

Most teens who are using nicotine are getting it through vaping products and new “smokeless” products such as nicotine pouches and gummies, and to a lesser degree, cigarettes. Some signs might include: finding unusual looking devices with detachable parts, weight loss, behavioral changes and agitation, mouth and throat  irritation such as mouth sores and throat clearing.