A new Norwegian study from 2025, published in Tobacco Induced Diseases, analyzed responses from more than 800 snus users.
Nearly 60 percent had tried to quit, and more than half were planning another attempt.
Among those who had tried to quit, 71 percent had done so more than once.
The researchers found that previous failed attempts do not necessarily reduce the desire to quit.
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On the contrary, repeated attempts are often a sign of continued motivation.
Addiction in the body and the mind
According to Folkehelseinstituttet, snus addiction is both physical and psychological.
Nicotine creates a stable level in the bloodstream that the body becomes accustomed to.
When users stop, they may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and mild nausea. Habits also play a major role.
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Senior researcher Karl Erik Lund from Folkehelseinstituttet explains to Forskning.no that “snus is a form of self-medication”.
For many, snus is used to cope with stress and becomes an integral part of everyday life.
Health is not the main reason
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has previously shown that snus may be associated with an increased risk of, among other things, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Nevertheless, the 2025 study shows that around half of snus users are not concerned about their health.
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According to Karl Erik Lund, the desire to quit is more often about breaking free from a compulsive addiction or saving money.
The point, therefore, is that willpower alone is rarely enough. A concrete plan for how to manage cravings is crucial for success.
Sources: Forskning.no, Tobacco Induced Diseases, and Folkehelseinstituttet.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.