FROM CIGARETTES TO THE FUTURE: ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO ADMINISTER NICOTINE

Tobacco use continues to be one of the most critical public health challenges globally. The current number of active tobacco consumers hovers around 1.2 billion, with half of these individuals expected to die from tobacco-related causes. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in alternative nicotine delivery methods, such as electronic nicotine delivery systems, heated tobacco products, and the resurgence of snus in the form of nicotine pouches. Most of these alternatives have been promoted as safer options compared to traditional smoking, aiming to encourage cessation of conventional tobacco use. Regrettably, narratives propagated by companies benefiting from these products often lead to an oversight of the health implications associated with these so-called "healthier alternatives." Nonetheless, although multiple studies have yielded diverse results, the latest data suggest that these alternatives do indeed impact health. This study aims to review accessible research, elucidate current knowledge on these products, and offer projections for future research.