How to Quit Snus

Thinking about how to quit snus? This guide breaks down what to expect when quitting, how long nicotine cravings last, and practical tips to help you stay on track.

Key Points

Quitting snus can lead to nicotine withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms tend to peak days 1-3 and ease over weeks 3-4
Common symptoms include irritability, restlessness, and sleep issues
Planning ahead with strategies can make it easier to quit

Quitting Snus Timeline How Long Do Nicotine Cravings Last? 10 Tips to Succeed in Quitting Snus Optional Ways to Quit Snus: Finding What Works for You Benefits of Quitting Snus Choosing What Works Best

Quitting Snus Timeline

If you’re wondering how to stop snus, then the good news is that withdrawal symptoms tend not to hit all at once.

Instead, quitting snus withdrawal symptoms usually follow a timeline:^{1, 2}

Day 1-2: Cravings can start a few hours after your first pouch. Symptoms can include irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep issues.
Day 3: Snus withdrawal symptoms peak. Cravings often feel strongest at this point.
Week 1: Sleep issues, mood swings, and strong urges are common. Having a plan can make it easier to manage.
Weeks 2-4: Symptoms gradually taper off, though occasional cravings can still appear.
After 1 Month: Most users find cravings much less intense.

How Long Do Nicotine Cravings Last?

One of the most common questions about quitting snus is: how long do nicotine cravings last?

Cravings usually start within 4 to 24 hours of stopping snus. They are strongest during the first 3 days and typically last for 3-4 weeks. Some people may experience mild cravings for a few months.

The intensity of withdrawal symptoms often depend on how much nicotine you typically consume. However, your genes can also play a role–some genetic differences make people more likely to use nicotine and to suffer stronger withdrawal.¹

These cravings are part of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which can also include anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, and low mood.

The good news is that these snus withdrawal symptoms do not last forever–over time, these cravings will become weaker.

10 Tips to Succeed in Quitting Snus

Want some tips for how to give up snus? These 10 suggestions may help to ease your quitting journey.

Plan Your Quit Day. Mark it on your calendar.
Know Your Triggers. Avoid situations that spark cravings.
Stay Busy. Exercise, read, or pick up a new hobby.
Keep Your Mouth Busy. Try sugar-free gum or crunchy snacks.
Remember Your Reasons. Write them down and keep visible for motivation.
Use Deep Breathing. This can help manage stress and cravings.
Consider Alternatives. Ask a medical professional about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
Avoid “Just One Pouch.” If you plan to give up snus completely, small relapses can restart cravings.
Celebrate Milestones. Reward yourself after one week, and then one month.
Seek Support. There are apps and online forums and communities that can help.

Optional Ways to Quit Snus: Finding What Works for You

There is no single best way to quit snus. Some people prefer giving up snus completely, stopping all use at once. Others find it easier to stop using snus gradually by reducing pouch strength over time.

Others find apps, support groups, or talking with a GP helpful in staying motivated. Various quit snus apps are available, such as Quit Genius and Snus Stop.

Experiment with different methods to find the right approach for you.

Benefits of Quitting Snus

There are some quitting snus benefits that users may experience. For example:

You rely less on nicotine
You are less likely do not experience nicotine cravings
Financial savings

Choosing What Works Best

If you’re wondering about the best way to quit snus, there isn’t really one.

Each person’s quitting snus time and experience with cravings is unique. For some, it’s useful to taper down strengths, whereas others prefer stopping all at once.

The most important thing is finding an approach that you can stick with.

How hard is it to quit snus?

Many wonder how hard it is to quit snus, but this depends on the individual. Some find the first week to be the most difficult, as cravings tend to be strongest then.

What happens when you stop snus?

You may feel withdrawal symptoms, which can include irritability, cravings, and sleep issues. These are temporary and will eventually fade.

How long does it take to quit snus?

Most withdrawal symptoms taper off within a month, though mild cravings may last longer.

How long does nicotine stay in your blood?

Nicotine enters the bloodstream within minutes of using a pouch and reaches its peak levels relatively quickly. After that, it begins to decline within a few hours. Withdrawal effects can appear soon after, often on the same day within 4-24 hours. Cravings tend to peak around the third day and then ease over the next few weeks.^1,3