Why Tapering Works
Tapering gradually reduces your nicotine intake, allowing your brain's receptors to slowly adjust. This minimizes withdrawal symptoms compared to cold turkey. Studies show tapering has similar success rates to cold turkey but with less suffering during the process.
Calculate Your Starting Point
First, track your current usage for a week. Count: How many pouches per day? What nicotine strength? Calculate your daily nicotine: (pouches x mg per pouch). Example: 10 pouches x 6mg = 60mg nicotine daily. The Pouched app automates this calculation.
The 10-15% Rule
Reduce your total daily nicotine by 10-15% each week. This is aggressive enough to make progress but gradual enough to be sustainable. For 60mg daily: Week 1: 54mg, Week 2: 48mg, Week 3: 43mg, etc. Reach zero in 8-12 weeks.
Reduction Strategies
Option 1: Reduce pouch count (10 → 9 → 8 → ...). Option 2: Switch to lower strength (6mg → 4mg → 2mg). Option 3: Combine both for faster reduction. The Pouched app creates a personalized plan based on your preferences.
Managing Tapering Challenges
If you slip, don't restart from zero - just get back on track. Some weeks are harder than others, and that's normal. Plateaus are common - push through them. Use the craving toolkit when urges hit. Celebrate small wins along the way.