Free Program Helps Young Men Quit Nicotine Pouches for Good

Young men struggling with nicotine pouch addiction now have a lifeline designed just for them.

Truth Initiative, a nonprofit fighting nicotine dependence, partnered with the Mayo Clinic to adapt their successful EX Program for people trying to quit nicotine pouches. The free resource has already helped millions kick tobacco products, and it can increase your chances of quitting by up to 40 percent.

Nicotine pouches have exploded in popularity, with sales nearly tripling from $145 million to $404 million between January 2023 and December 2024. Use among high school seniors more than doubled in just two years. These small packets, placed between lip and gum, deliver a dopamine rush that hooks users fast.

"Nicotine pouches may be perceived as harmless, and many people might not be aware of the risks that come from them," says Megan Jacobs, senior vice president of product at Truth Initiative. The truth is, nicotine disrupts young brains, affecting attention, learning, and impulse control in ways that can last a lifetime.

The good news? Science has proven alternatives that actually work. When you need a pre-workout boost, a banana provides energy that improves performance without the crash. For focus during studying, short breaks help your brain solidify new skills better than any pouch can.

Feeling anxious? Watching a funny video lowers stress hormones and boosts dopamine naturally. Need confidence before a big moment? Mental rehearsal improves execution and builds real confidence without the jittery rebound.

Why This Inspires

What makes the EX Program special is how it works with your brain, not against it. "It helps you identify those moments where you're craving nicotine, or feeling triggered to use tobacco products, and guides you through making it through those tough times without nicotine," Jacobs explains.

The program recognizes that quitting pouches requires different strategies than quitting cigarettes. The feeling is different, the social settings are different, and the triggers are unique. That's why Truth Initiative tailored specific guidance for pouch users, addressing the exact challenges they face.

The program teaches you to understand what's happening in your own brain during cravings. Armed with that knowledge and practical tools, millions have already broken free from nicotine's grip.

Breaking an addiction is never easy, but you don't have to do it alone.