The nicotine pouches, also called ‘snus’, are sold like hot cakes in Hoorn secondary schools and sometimes even primary schools. The bags, sometimes containing a nicotine value five times as strong as a cigarette, are frequently used by Hoorsne teenagers. NH Nieuws met with two young people (15) to talk about this harmful hype. “I use snus three times a day. I know it can give you cancer, but I can’t just stop taking it.”
Team coach Jerrol Lashley of the Network Foundation makes himself major concerns on nicotine use among teenagers. The hype has spread like an oil slick via social media. “Two years ago we saw the use of ‘snus’ increase among the Hoorn youngsters. At first we thought that this trend would blow over, but it has now become an indispensable part of the Hoorn street scene.”
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Nicotine bags are easy to obtain and can’t stop: “Works addictive” – NH Nieuws
‘Snus’ are nicotine pouches, which are mainly available online. The prices per roll have now risen sharply, but young people are also trading the bags themselves, by asking a higher price. This is possible because minors themselves do not dare to order the bags online. “Soon my father will find out and then I will get hit,” one of the anonymous snus users (15) tells NH Nieuws/WEEFF.
“You can get cancer, your lip can get inflamed and your teeth can fall out. You want to stop, but you can’t just like that, you know?”
“I’ve been using it for two years,” says 15-year-old Jay (fictional name). He came into contact with the nicotine pouches through friends. “I now use it about three to four times a day. I don’t think I’m addicted, but I can’t stop right now.”
Tips
As a parent, it is possible to recognize the use of snus in children by the following symptoms: trembling, paranoid, yellow skin and irritated gums. The youngsters often hide the round container under their bed or in the pillow.
The nicotine pouch almost resembles a chewing gum and therefore young people do not seem to realize the negative consequences of its use, according to Lashley. “It is certainly underestimated by them. They do not realize that they are becoming addicted or are addicted to it. They are then really convinced that they can stop, but if they do, they get withdrawal symptoms.”
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