Americans are Feeling the Pressure: New Survey Uncovers Rising Stress and Coping Habits

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the United States navigates a new political era and ongoing economic challenges, stress levels among Americans are on the rise. A study of over 2,000 U.S. adults over 21 found that nearly half (47%) turn to friends and family for support, while 15% rely on substances like alcohol, cigarettes, traditional tobacco, and cannabis to cope. Commissioned by Nicokick.com and conducted by Censuswide, the findings also reveal generational differences, with stress rising most among younger adults (69% of those 21-24 years old), while older adults (55+) report more varied responses, including the highest decrease (27%) under the new administration.

"We know that during times of stress, people naturally seek a fix, and for many, smoking is that in-the-moment crutch," said Markus Lindblad, Head of External Affairs at Nicokick.com. "This is not the answer, as studies have proven that the long-term impact of smoking is devastating. As responsible retailers, our mission is to protect our consumers, and this is why smoke-free alternatives, like nicotine pouches, can serve as a risk-reduced option for adult nicotine users navigating today’s daily struggles."

Highlights from the survey:

Political Stress on the Rise: Younger Generations Feel the Pressure

The survey highlights the increasing burden of political stress across the nation. More than half (54%) of Americans reported rising stress levels since Inauguration Day.

• Political stress is especially pronounced among younger adults aged 21-24, with 69% indicating their stress has increased since the new presidential administration took office in January 2025.
• A majority (54%) of older Americans (55 years and over) also reported that their stress levels have increased since January 2025, yet 27% reported a somewhat or significant decrease in stress under the new administration – the highest of any age group.

A Call for Stability: What Americans Need to Reduce Stress

When asked what would help decrease stress, respondents pointed to three key factors:

• Improved physical health and self-care (32%)
• A stronger economy (32%)
• A more stable political climate (32%)

These findings suggest that improved personal well-being and a stronger economy would significantly reduce public stress levels. However, 8% of the respondents reported nothing would help reduce their stress levels.

As a responsible retailer, Nicokick’s mission is to provide consumers with science-backed insights on nicotine and nicotine pouches. As more Americans choose non-combustible products, the company recognizes the need to adapt to the shifting market landscape and evolving needs of adult consumers by providing them with tobacco leaf-free and other modern oral nicotine product alternatives to cigarettes. For more information on nicotine pouches, visit Nicoforum.

About Nicokick

Nicokick is a leading online retailer in the U.S. specializing in nicotine pouches. With a diverse inventory of over 200 unique products, the platform offers a wide selection of popular and emerging brands that provide consumers with modern oral smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products. As a responsible and compliant retailer, Nicokick is committed to a strict age verification process, with all products delivered directly to adult consumers' doorsteps or mailboxes. For more information, visit Nicokick.com.