For years, Ali Khan (name changed for privacy), a 32-year-old marketing professional, struggled with smoking. Lighting up around 20 cigarettes a day, he felt trapped by his habit. But recently, he’s discovered a new tool that’s helping him cut down: nicotine pouches.
“I started smoking in Covid, and it just became a part of my routine,” Ali says. “At work, after meals, during breaks — it was constant. But the health risks and the stigma associated with smoking were always in the back of my mind.” Despite multiple attempts to quit, Ali found himself returning to cigarettes.
That was until he tried nicotine pouches. These small, discreet packets, which deliver nicotine without the need for smoking, have brought a significant shift in his journey.
“I have been using nicotine pouches for about five months now,” Ali shares. “At first, I used them alongside smoking, but gradually, my cigarette intake started to decrease. Now, I am down to just five or six cigarettes a day.”
Ali’s story highlights a growing trend among smokers seeking alternatives to quit. Unlike traditional methods like nicotine gum or patches, nicotine pouches offer a practical solution for smokers who are not ready to quit nicotine entirely but want to reduce their dependence on cigarettes.
One of the key reasons Ali prefers nicotine pouches is their discreetness. “When I used to smoke, people would give me judgmental looks, and I constantly smelled of cigarettes. It was embarrassing, especially in professional settings,” he explains. “With nicotine pouches, no one knows. They are odorless and easy to use. I don’t feel like I’m standing out or being judged anymore.”
While Ali acknowledges he still has a way to go, he feels optimistic about his progress. “I am not there yet, but I am confident that if I stick with nicotine pouches, I can quit smoking altogether. For the first time in years, it feels achievable.”
Nicotine pouches are not without controversy, as they still contain nicotine, which is addictive. However, they have been recognized as a less harmful alternative for adult smokers who would otherwise continue using combustible tobacco like cigarettes.
Ali’s journey reflects how harm-reduction tools like nicotine pouches can play a pivotal role in reducing cigarette consumption, breaking stigma, and offering a practical pathway toward quitting smoking.
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