FURIOUS about DS 17 using nicotine pouches

[MellowGreySnake]

We haven't had much trouble with DS17 up until now which is why this comes as such a surprise. DS17 is doing great academically and is studying 4 difficult a levels.

However we recently discovered he is a regular user of nicotine pouches. I was furious when I found out and spoke to him very harshly however I'm looking for some advice before I proceed any further. AIBU to be furious about his nicotine pouch usage? What action can and should I take against him other than explaining the HUGE risks which I'm sure he's already well aware of.

For context "Nicotine pouches are small, white, tea-bag-like sachets containing nicotine powder, flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers."

Why are you furious? Did you expect a teenager who did no typically teenage things?

I know my teens have vaped, smoked and they drink too. They have smoked weed. They are open and tell me. They do it rarely. But I love that they feel they can share - and know no one will be furious.

kids experiment.

So I googled and they’re not actually illegal, there’s legislation from Oct so ther he’ll need to be 18 to buy them.

on the scale of things a teenager can do to fuck up their life this is quite low.

Still not great tho!

A significant number of teens are happily vaping spice.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/06/psychotic-cardiac-arrest-children-vaping-prison-drug-spice

he doesn't vape, at least i hope not, but even if he's not consuming spice he's still consuming nic which is bad

I think you need to remember that he's nearly an adult and watch your tone. A calm conversation where you ask him to stop using them for xyz reasons is the way forward. Then listening to his point of view and taking that on board. Unfortunately, he's aged out of you being able to make his decisions for him.

In the grand scheme of ways a teen can behave badly that’s not the worst. Not even close.

I’ll see your tobacco pouches and raise you …. Never mind 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I mean obviously it’s not great but your teenager is at some point going to do things you disapprove of.

for many teens this involves illegal drugs, underage sex, sending nude photos (technically child pornography if under 16), vaping, drinking, etc etc.

i used to work in a secondary school and you see it all.

if he’s got to 17 and this is the worst both you and he are doing well.

It’s a tough one, I get you want to keep him safe and unaddicted. But realistically, in less than a year he will effectively be independent. You still have time to teach him the skills to make better decisions. But whether he listens…

Not great, but not the worst thing ever. Be glad he’s doing something rebellious, instead of being like me and being 32 before he feels able to do something his parents don’t approve of.

I wouldn’t be impressed either op. Some very odd what about dry in the comments too - the fact that some teens are vaping spice doesn’t make nicotine pouches somehow ok.
My ds is 25 (also gifted,academic etc), still inhaling/consuming various questionable substances. I’m no less appalled now that he’s no longer 18.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002h72v/disclosure-shorts-nicotine-pouches-whats-the-problem