U.S. Soldiers Are Ten Times More Likely To Use Nicotine Pouches Than Civilians

According to a January 9th report from 29News, a survey conducted at Fort Liberty, the largest military base in the United States, found that 23.8% of soldiers had used nicotine pouches in the past 10 days. In contrast, only 2.9% of U.S. adults reported the same in a 2022 study.

The study's co-author, Melissa Little, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research, pointed out that nicotine pouches are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as traditional tobacco products. Although some believe synthetic nicotine is safer than tobacco, doctors caution that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.

Little noted that addiction to these products is prevalent among young, white male soldiers. While nicotine and tobacco have historically been part of military culture, nicotine pouches are particularly difficult to regulate since soldiers can use them anytime, even during training or in the field, unlike cigarettes.

Little stated that she does not oppose soldiers choosing to use nicotine pouches but emphasized the importance of them being well-informed about the potential health risks. "It will take time to fully understand the extent of these risks," she said.

She added, "For public health professionals, addressing this issue will be extremely challenging, especially among young people and military personnel."