On the surface,chewing a couple of pieces of nicotine gum every dayismuch better than smoking.
It puts us at risk for heart disease, COPD, and cancer for starters.
Research is ongoing; we don’t yet fully understand all of the dangers that cigarette smoke presents.
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That said,while cigarette smokeis worse thannicotinealone,nicotine is not a harmless drug.
Learn its effects and whether replacement therapies are right for you.
We also discuss how to quit nicotine gum and overcome your addiction to this drug.
Should You Even Use Nicotine Gum?
Always use caution, however, and follow your healthcare provider’s and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Research suggests that an approach that combines passive nicotine delivery (e.g.
a nicotine patch) with an as-needed NRT (e.g.
Don’t let theunhelpful thinkingthat comes withnicotine withdrawalconvince you to keep using.
If you managed to stop smoking, youcango one step further and eliminate your dependence ontherapeutic nicotineas well.
It doesn’t matter how much time (within reason) that you take between each elimination.
Step down when you feel comfortable, always keeping your goal in mind.
Some people can quit nicotine with gum in six to 12 weeks, with others taking longer.
Although, it’s generally recommended to not use nicotine gum for more than six months.
If you’ve used nicotine gum for a long time, you may experience withdrawal when stopping its use.
Ask for support and the load you’re bearing will become much lighter.
You’ll be surprised at how understanding others can be.
Don’t feel ashamed.
You are not the first person who has ever had this problemfar from it.
You deserve a life that is free of nicotine addiction.
Believe in yourself.You are strong enoughto get nicotine out of your body, and out of your life.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health problems.
2015;36(1):24-31. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.151771
American Heart Association.How smoking and nicotine damage your body.
American Cancer Society.Nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit tobacco.
Wadgave U, Nagesh L.Nicotine replacement therapy: an overview.Int J Health Sci (Qassim).
2016;10(3):425-435.
American Cancer Society.Why people start smoking and why its hard to stop.
Nicorette.How to use Nicorette gum.
West RJ, Russell MA.Effects of withdrawal from long-term nicotine gum use.Psycholog Med.
1985;15(4):891-893. doi:10.1017/S0033291700005134
