Spanish pulmonology society warns of high addiction risk from nicotine pouches

The Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR) cautioned that nicotine pouches—small oral sachets delivering nicotine without tobacco—have a high potential for addiction, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The society highlighted that these products can contain very high nicotine concentrations, cause oral health problems such as periodontal disease and may act as a gateway to other addictive behaviours. SEPAR urged stronger prevention campaigns, responsible messaging by public figures, and monitoring of digital promotion.

Separately, SEPAR responded to a recent human study published in *Nicotine & Tobacco Research* that reported a temporary improvement in working memory linked to nicotine’s interaction with neuronal proteins. The society stressed that the cognitive benefit is limited, short‑lived and does not outweigh the health hazards of nicotine dependence. It reaffirmed its stance that there is no evidence justifying nicotine use for cognitive enhancement and that current anti‑nicotine recommendations remain unchanged.