Dutch man, 25, seeks help after years of snus addiction without knowing risks

A 25-year-old Dutch man named Kerem, addicted to snus for years, is now undergoing treatment after being unaware of the health risks and available professional help. He uses the nicotine pouches multiple times daily and has struggled to quit independently. Kerem began using snus seven years ago after a friend offered it, despite a painful first experience. He only sought help after discovering WeQuit, an organization offering free cessation programs specifically for snus users, which he found through a radio advertisement. He is currently using nicotine patches and has not used snus for over a week. Snus, a nicotine pouch placed under the lip, is addictive and linked to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risks of mouth and nose cancer. While its sale is banned in the Netherlands, use remains legal, and experts note a lack of awareness among youth, with the tobacco industry targeting young men.