As we all know, nicotine addiction plagues high school campuses and communities alike. Nicotine is commonly recognized as one of the world’s most addictive substances and is often compared with or even above illegal narcotics such as heroin and cocaine.
Although nicotine is such a harmful and addictive drug, students at Arcata High still partake in this dangerous chemical compound. What makes this deleterious substance so popular to athletes?
An anonymous senior says, “I loved the burn, it enhanced the tingles… after I kept using them, I can’t feel it anymore, and I miss it.”
Nicotine pouches like Zyn deliver a high concentration of nicotine directly to the bloodstream through the mouth. Over time, the body builds a tolerance, meaning users need more just to feel the same effects, which increases the risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Another source claims that, “ [zyns] make me feel so locked in, it’s like living in your own world out there.”
However, this “lock-in” feeling comes at a cost. Nicotine can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and harm developing brains in teenagers. It can also reduce attention and memory over time, even while it temporarily feels like focus is improving.
Another anonymous Senior said, “There are 3 upper deckies [zyn placed in the upper front portion of the mouth] in a day that are the best ones. The one fresh off the wake…the second one at lunch…then the third one is at work or at the gym.”
Using multiple nicotine pouches a day can strain the cardiovascular system, cause gum irritation, and increase the risk of long-term oral health problems. Repeated exposure to high doses of nicotine also makes quitting much more difficult.
With this kind of admiration towards such a crippling substance, it would be hard to deter children from using nicotine products.
Many athletes here at Arcata High have fallen victim to this endless cycle. Many kids begin using after they are offered the product by someone they look up to in order to make themselves feel better about themselves in social situations.
Every student interviewed claimed that it was an older student who first offered them this product on their sports teams.
Anonymous Junior said, “I feel dead and like have no motivation when I dont have Zyns…I dont know about Zyns anymore I wanna quit but whenever there around me I pop one in.”
This is a classic sign of nicotine dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and strong cravings, making it hard for teens to stop even when they want to.
This poor influence can make it difficult for young students to feel included and respected in a high school community if they do not participate in drinking, smoking, or in our case Zyns.
Our advice to young students is to stay strong and dont give into negative temptations from your peers. In the end it will benefit you more to be addiction free and not fall into the same cycle of getting others addicted with you.
Do your part and be a good friend and a good role model to help keep the Arcata High campus clean from addiction.
