Nolan Borgersen's Productivity Ritual

Nolan Borgersen, a 29-year-old investment banker, slips a tiny white nicotine pouch under his upper lip ten times daily for focus during work.

“They’re very subtle, so I love that I can have them in during meetings or throughout the day.”

Zyn Pouches for Daily Focus

Borgersen uses Zyn nicotine pouches as a productivity tool, doubling up on weekends and admitting he is addicted.

“Oh, I am addicted.”

Nicotine Pouches' Rise in Popularity

Nicotine pouches, first sold in Sweden in the early 2000s, became popular in the US by the late 2010s as smoke-free alternatives.

Wellness Influencers Promote Nicotine

Wellness influencers like Dave Asprey and Andrew Huberman promote nicotine as a cognitive enhancer without caffeine’s jitters.

“Nicotine is one of the most misunderstood compounds in the biohacking world.”

Addiction Concerns Grow

Neuropharmacologist Frances Leslie warns nicotine can lead to addiction, making it hard to quit even after stopping use.

“Once you’re addicted, it’s pretty hard to to kick it.”

Max Rodman's Focus Ritual

Max Rodman, a 23-year-old with ADHD, uses nicotine pouches with KALOS mints for focus but struggles with withdrawal.

“I would have constant brain fog.”

Nicotine's Short-Term Benefits

Dr. Fawad Mian confirms nicotine provides a brief boost in alertness and focus but risks dependence over time.

“Nicotine can make someone feel sharper, more alert and more focused in the short term.”

Long-Term Risks Unsettled

Research shows nicotine may damage gum tissue and increase cardiovascular risk, but long-term effects remain unclear.

“Nicotine may damage fibroblasts, the cells involved in maintaining and repairing gum tissue.”

Borgersen's Productivity Trade-Off

Borgersen balances nicotine's focus benefits with concerns about gum health and addiction risks.

“I know there’s some studies around blood flow restriction and cardiovascular restriction.”

The Addiction Dilemma

Users like Rodman caution against nicotine as a focus tool, emphasizing individual differences in response and addiction risk.

“You shouldn’t just listen to someone on the internet telling you, ‘Oh, nicotine is good for you.'”

Borgersen's Future Plans

Borgersen aims to quit nicotine pouches eventually but currently relies on them for productivity.

“I mean I would love to stop eventually.”

The Productivity Debate Continues

Experts warn nicotine pouches may boost focus short-term but risk addiction and long-term health effects.

“The concern is that the same pathways that create that focus effect also drive dependence.”