The Zyn Craze

It seems like everyone these days is using Zyn. You can spot cans of Zyn in the background of Youtube videos, hear them talked about on podcasts, and even see them endorsed by athletes, musicians, and influencers from all walks of life. Zyn has become so popular that it’s not just Zyn “guys” using the product now—even high profile women (Emma Chamberlain, for one!) have been spotted enjoying a Zyn here and there.

But with every craze comes the inevitable crash. Zyn is highly addictive. Actor Josh Brolin admits that he often falls asleep with a pouch in his mouth, since he needs the nicotine 24/7. If that sounds familiar, there’s still hope. Whatever your level of dependence, it is possible to quit for good.

And since most men are likely to suffer from testosterone deficiency and not surplus, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on how nicotine affects your T levels, and what happens when you quit.

Part of what makes Zyn appealing (and ultimately hard to quit) is how discreet it is. At any point during the day, you can easily throw in a pouch and get a steady, powerful hit of nicotine without the smell or distraction of vaping and cigarettes. The ease of using Zyn can make it harder to recognize your dependence, and even harder when you’re trying to let go of it. The key is understanding your triggers and what works best for your cravings– then you can finally say goodbye to Zyn.

Most people relapse because of withdrawal. This is an inevitable part of the quitting process, and though it might be physically painful, it means your body is learning how to go without. Even the most overwhelming symptoms are temporary; withdrawal symptoms, on average, fade after just a few weeks.

So if you’re experiencing intense cravings, feeling irritable and moody, or just having a hard time concentrating—just know that’s normal. Nicotine withdrawal can be so intense that you might find yourself lying awake at night, unable to sleep, or even racked with headaches, stomach pain, or general body aches. All of these symptoms are common, and all of them can be managed.

Because these withdrawal symptoms are so intense and so varied, the CDC and WHO do not recommend quitting cold turkey. Doing so means you feel the brunt of the withdrawal, without a strong plan to maintain cessation. Instead, they recommend nicotine replacement therapy (or NRT) as a safe way to quit. It works by giving you just enough nicotine to ease the worst withdrawal symptoms, then gradually tapering down completely.

Jones offers a mint-flavored nicotine lozenge in two different strengths—4mg and 2mg—so you can taper off gradually. And you don’t have to worry about added chemicals in Jones mints; they’re formulated without the harmful ingredients found in cigarettes, vapes, or pouches, for a clean, fast-acting, and discreet way to manage cravings.

Still struggling? Stress is one of the leading causes of Zyn cravings. Understanding your triggers can make all the difference when quitting.

• Deep breathing or box breathing exercises: If you find yourself in the middle of a craving without NRT, consider breathing exercises. Simply breathing in deeply for 5 counts, and then releasing for 5 counts can rewire your body’s fight or flight response.

• Short daily meditations or body scans: Start from the top of your body and slowly work your way down. What am I feeling right now in my body? Is this different than usual?

• Journaling moments of stress and how you responded: Over time, you’ll be able to see patterns of stress that might be triggering a craving.

Any one of these strategies, or all of them taken together, can help distract you from your cravings—letting you ride out the discomfort, instead of acting on it.

Chances are, you’re experiencing cravings not just when you’re stressed or irritable, but also after meals, during a tough work day, or even when you’re just bored. These habits are hard to break, but there are several healthy alternatives.

• Chewing sugar-free gum or mints: Having a treat can help you adjust to not having something in your mouth at all times.

• Going for a walk when cravings hit: Fresh air and physical exercise immediately relieves the severity of your craving.

• Keeping your hands busy: A fidget tool or stress ball can give you something to do with restless hands.

• Drinking cold water with citrus: The temperature and acid help reset your mouth and brain.

While these may seem like small changes, over time, they can help you de-center Zyn and nicotine.

No level of addiction is too hard to beat. Whether you’re sleeping with a Zyn in, stacking tins into towards, or simply wondering if maybe you have a problem…Jones can help.

Our clinically backed mints can help ease cravings and help you taper down usage. Download the Quit With Jones app for community, support, and real time advice to help you better understand your relationship to nicotine. And along the way, we might just have some fun.