Studies show that 43.8% of people who regularly smoked cigarettes reported quitting smoking just when they started using snus. Considering this effectiveness, many people are turning to this less potent substance to get rid of their harmful addictions to tobacco smoking.
However, like any addictive substance, snus can also turn lethal in no time. Soon, something that you might have started to use to get rid of dependency on other drugs may become an addiction itself.
While snus is considered a less harmful alternative, it is important to understand the broader context of tobacco consumption and its health risks. Tobacco consumption, including smoking, significantly contributes to mortality rates and disease prevalence, particularly in the EU. The epidemiological data highlight the severe public health implications of tobacco smoking compared to smokeless tobacco products like snus.
Read this guide to learn all about snus and how it can impact your life, even though it is a mild stimulant. From understanding its forms to recovering from its dependency, we have covered everything for you in today’s guide!
What Is Snus?
Snus is a tobacco product from Sweden composed of powdered tobacco and small pouches. The cellulose pouches are placed under the lip to release the tobacco into the oral mucosa slowly. Snus is a type of moist snuff, which is a form of smokeless tobacco.
Now, let’s discuss this product in a less scientific manner.
You can think of snus as a tea bag-like pouch containing ground moist tobacco leaves, salt, and an alkalizer. These bags are tiny, usually the size of a human fingertip. Snus can be easily placed under your lip or close to the gum. Snus is placed between the gum and the upper lip. The addictive substance is released from these pouches and is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the blood vessels in the mouth.
Although the substance absorption rate is slow compared to smoking, its addiction can still get to extreme levels when it goes unmonitored.
Swedish Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches
Swedish snus can vary a lot from non-tobacco snus or nicotine pouches due to the content used inside. The usual Swedish snus is actually made using ground tobacco leaves with other ingredients like water, salt or sodium carbonate. Unlike chewing tobacco, which is chewed and spit out, snus is a pasteurized product placed under the lip.
Conversely, nicotine pouches aren’t made using tobacco leaves. Instead, they are prepared using nicotine, extracted from a tobacco plant. Additionally, to give them a less overwhelming effect, the addictive substance here is often combined with artificial flavourings or sweeteners.
Traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars, contain higher levels of carcinogens compared to snus. The manufacturing process of snus results in lower carcinogen levels, making it a perceived healthier alternative. However, it still poses health risks similar to those associated with chewing tobacco.
Here’s a more comprehensive checklist to identify a Swedish snus from a non-tobacco one:
● Taste: Regular tobacco snus can taste quite strong. But nicotine pouches? They’re available in mint, fruit or other flavours.
● Impact: Nicotine pouches don’t hit you as hard since they have lower nicotine levels. On the flip side, snus has tobacco in it, and that can really mess with your head. So, even though nicotine pouches are marketed as a safer option, they can still lead to some serious dependency issues.
● Estimated Shelf Life: Longer shelf life compared to regular snus for artificially flavoured or sweetened nicotine pouches. The reason is that snus contains raw tobacco, which deteriorates or decays over a period of time.
Health Risks Associated with Snus
Snus, a type of smokeless tobacco product, poses several health risks to its users. Despite being considered a lesser evil compared to cigarette smoking, snus use has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The health risks associated with snus are attributed to its high nicotine content, which can lead to nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, snus use has been linked to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral mucosal lesions. The World Health Organisation has classified snus as a carcinogenic substance, highlighting the need for caution and regulation.
Effects of Snus on the Body
The effects of snus on the body can be detrimental to overall health. Snus use can lead to an increase in blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The nicotine in snus can also cause vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow to muscles. Furthermore, snus use has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, although the evidence is still inconclusive. The scientific committee on emerging and newly identified health risks has highlighted the need for more research on the health effects of snus. In northern Europe, where snus is gaining popularity, public health officials are working to raise awareness about the risks associated with snus use.
How Addictive Is Snus?
Many of us may think snus isn’t addictive because it doesn’t contain a large amount of the addictive substance. And guess we aren’t wrong in here, but anything too much can prove to be fatal. Snus, even though it might not be very addictive it can still lead to dependency. Evidence has shown that adolescents who solely used snus had higher chances of getting addicted to nicotine.
Nevertheless, the addictive properties of snus can depend on the content used in the product. Consequently, the higher the nicotine content, the more potent the drug will be and the stimulated the impact it will have on the user. Comparatively, cigarette smokers tend to have a higher addiction level than smokeless tobacco users due to the higher nicotine content in cigarettes.
Depending upon this content variation, different brands might produce snus in forms such as regular, strong, extra strong, and ultra strong. These names suggest how high the content of nicotine is in each of the forms.
For instance, if you use a snus with an extra strong label, expect to have some stronger nicotine sensation as well as a quick boost of energy. In contrast, a snus with a regular label might not have an obvious impact on your brain or may not impact your consciousness.
In the end, remember, the more potent the form of the drug you use, the more difficulty you’ll have in quitting. Cigarette smokers, in particular, often find it harder to quit compared to snus users due to the higher addiction levels associated with smoking.
What Can Snus Addiction Do to You?
Snus contains addictive substances like nicotine and tobacco, and for this reason, its dependency can have some obvious impact on the human body. Additionally, snus use has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which encompass various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. If you have been suffering from any other substance addiction, then these effects might slightly vary for you.
For example, suppose you have been smoking cigarettes for a long time. In that case, you might find the snus’s impact not too overwhelming. However, if you have just started doing drugs, even the regular form of snus can cause significant changes to your body. Research findings also suggest a potential link between snus consumption and an increased risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer, although the evidence remains inconclusive and varies across different studies.
Some noticeable changes that you might notice in your loved ones when they have developed snus addiction may include:
Behavioural Changes
Snus addiction, as soon as it develops, directly targets a person’s way of how he reacts to or behaves in a certain situation. These behavioural changes are often explicit and may have you experience:
● Inability to focus or maintain concentration.
● Irritable mood.
● Not able to socialise or spend time with family and friends.
● Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
Additionally, the negative impact of snus on overall health and well-being includes detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and athletic performance, as well as increased health risks and sleep impairment.
Physical Changes
Like any addiction, snus abuse can have some adverse effects on the human body organs. It can lead to consequences such as:
● Impaired taste buds.
● Heightened heart rate or increased blood pressure. Studies have shown that snus use can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
● Dental problems like decay, staining, or bad breath.
● Heart issues or stroke.
● Mouth or oesophageal cancer.
Cancer Risks
The cancer risks associated with snus use are a major concern. Snus has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified snus as a carcinogenic substance, highlighting the need for caution and regulation. The European Union has implemented regulations on the sale and marketing of snus, including warning labels and packaging restrictions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the cancer risks associated with snus use. In the meantime, snus users should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to quit or reduce their use.
Oral Health Concerns
Oral health concerns are a significant issue for snus users. Snus use has been linked to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral mucosal lesions. The nicotine in snus can also cause dry mouth, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. Furthermore, snus use can lead to bad breath, gum recession, and tooth discolouration. The effects of snus on oral health can be devastating, highlighting the need for regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices. Snus users should be aware of the potential oral health risks and take steps to mitigate them, such as quitting or reducing their use and practising good oral hygiene.
Withdrawal From Snus
Snus, being an addictive substance, can also have withdrawal symptoms when you’re trying to get rid of its dependency. You may end up experiencing:
● Intense craving for snus or nicotine-based products.
● Inability to fall asleep or have a sound sleep.
● Constant anxiety or feelings of restlessness.
● Feeling extremely low.
● Not able to maintain focus or concentration.
● Unusual urge to eat all the time.
Depending on your addiction, the symptoms can vary. For instance, if your dependency isn’t strong, you may have mild symptoms, and managing them would be easier as well. But there can be cases when the addiction is strong and the withdrawal signs are impossible to manage. In that case, professionals may prescribe you medications to ease the challenges. Snus has been discussed in the context of smoking cessation, with mixed evidence on its effectiveness as a tool to help smokers quit.
Additionally, the withdrawal period can last from 2 to 4 weeks right after your last dose of nicotine. During the first two days, the symptoms can actually peak, but after 2 to 4 weeks, they may not affect you much. Utilising support groups is a recommended strategy to help manage these symptoms and successfully quit snus.
How Snus Impacts Your General Quality of Life
Snus is typically considered a less harmful drug, and people will resort to it when they’re trying to stop activities such as smoking cigarettes. But what the consumers tend to overlook is that this extremely addictive drug can make its way into their lives in the long run.
Besides trapping you in a never-ending cycle of addiction, snus also alters the overall quality of your life in ways such as:
● More Exposure to Depression and Anxiety: People who use snus or smokeless tobacco are more susceptible to mental health disorders, namely depression and anxiety. To cope with the conditions, individuals may then use potent forms of nicotine, which in turn may make them further dependent on the drug.
● Elevated Mortality Rate:Studies suggest that people who use snus or any nicotine-induced product may develop all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular or cancer-related mortalities. However, snus users have minimal to no additional risk of premature death compared to non-smokers, making it a safer alternative to cigarettes.
● Decreased Social Interactions: When taken in moderate amounts, snus might not affect your ability to socialise. However, when this amount exceeds the safe limit, it may then impair your social skills. Being under nicotine’s influence, you may even over socialise with others, or you may isolate yourself.
While snus is often seen as a less harmful option compared to traditional tobacco products, it is important to consider the health risks associated with all tobacco products. Although snus may present fewer risks of premature death and other severe health issues compared to smoking, it still carries significant health implications and addictive potential.
Recovering From Snus Addiction
Getting rid of snus or any other smokeless tobacco dependency is a journey that can vary for every individual. Some of you might have an easier time controlling its use. While others may have a hard time quitting snus and may even relapse when they try to step back from it. Snus has been discussed as a method to help people quit smoking, though the evidence is mixed and it is important to consider various strategies, including healthcare support.
To make your recovery process smooth, here are some effective yet practical strategies to follow:
● Set Small and Achievable Goals: Acknowledge your goal and break down its plan into achievable small portions.
● Identify Triggers: Look out for the cues in your environment that may compel you to crave nicotine.
● Develop Healthy Coping Strategies: Practise healthy coping strategies such as exercise, meditation, or mindfulness.
● Seek Professional Help When Needed: Don’t hold yourself back from asking for help from mental health care professionals. Depending on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, they can prescribe you therapies such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
● Celebrate Every Milestone: Try to appreciate yourself each time you resist the urge to have nicotine. This constant recognition will help you stay motivated through the recovery journey. Many former smokers have successfully used snus to quit smoking, as highlighted by various studies, including one from Sweden, though it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with its use.
Final Words
At this point, you may be well aware of what snus is and how its use can impact you and your overall life. So, before you start using this less potent yet addictive substance, ensure to weigh its pros and cons. Tobacco companies often promote snus as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but the controversy surrounding its health risks remains.
No matter how low-impact a snus can be, its dependency must never be overlooked. Consequently, be careful, as we are sure no one wants to end up with another addiction in the pursuit of quitting one. More scientific evidence is needed to fully understand the health risks and potential benefits of snus.
Best of luck!
