Nicotine Gum

Watch this video first - it will make you want to quit smoking immediately

Nicotine gum is probably exactly what you are thinking it is.  It is a special gum infused with nicotine and when chewed provides nicotine to your body.

This special gum is similar to the nicotine patch in that it is classified as a nicotine replacement therapy providing a controlled release of nicotine through the membrane of your mouth throughout the day.

By chewing nicotine gum you are reducing your nicotine cravings and withdraw symptoms associated with quitting smoking.  Research has shown that the use of this gum will double your chances of stopping smoking compared with going cold turkey or using willpower alone.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that 29% of the folks who used nicotine gum to help them quit smoking had remained non-smokers a year later compared with only 16% of the folks who had been treated with a placebo or gum containing no nicotine. Additionally, more folks in the nicotine group (70 out of 94 versus 45 out of 93) reported that the gum reduced the craving for smoking.

Unlike the nicotine patch the gum also provides you with an oral substitute for the cigarettes you used to smoke.

The Benefits of Nicotine Gum

The use of nicotine gum gets you away from the negative health consequences of the toxins found in cigarette smoke and the byproducts of cigarettes.  By using this gum to help you stop smoking you can help to take the edge off your cravings for cigarettes while at the same time avoiding the poisonous gases and tars found in cigarettes.

Chewing nicotine gum to help you quit smoking greatly improves your chances of becoming a long-term non-smoker by helping to ease the withdrawal symptoms smokers suffer through when trying to quit smoking.

How Does Nicotine Gum Work?

When used properly, nicotine gum gradually release nicotine into your mouth where it is absorbed through the lining of your mouth and into your bloodstream.  The nicotine then travels to the centers of your brain responsible for your nicotine cravings.

This controlled release of nicotine throughout the day helps to lessen the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that you will feel when attempting to quit smoking.

How is Nicotine Gum Used?

Unlike normal gum, nicotine gum is not designed to be chewed continuously.  It is designed to be chewed slowly for a few seconds to allow the nicotine to escape.  Then it is to be moved between your cheek and gum until you feel it necessary to repeat this process.

When first starting out, it is recommended that you use one piece of gum every one to two hours or whenever you have the strong urge to smoke.  The suggested usage schedule is as follows:

Weeks 1-6: 1 piece every 1 - 2 hours
Weeks 7-9: 1 piece every 2 - 4 hours
Weeks 10-12: 1 piece every 4 - 8 hours

Availability of Nicotine Gum

Nowadays nicotine gum can be purchased without a prescription either at your local pharmacy or online (online is the way to go in my opinion because even though you may have a small  cost for shipping, it beats the drive to the pharmacy with the price of gas these days). You need to be at least 18 years of age to buy this gum.

You will find this gum comes in two strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg. It is recommended for instance that if you smoke in excess of 20 cigarettes every day that you might want to start out with a 4 mg strength.

Some of the more common brands associated with this gum are Equate, Nicorette, Nicotrol, and Habitrol. There are also a number of generic brands out there as well.

Are there any Dangers of Nicotine Gum?

During the first couple of days after you begin chewing the gum, your mouth may feel sore, you may experience headaches and you may also experience increased salivation.  These symptoms should subside after a few days.

Also keep in mind that there is a chance you will become addicted to this gum.  At the same time however, this gum does not contain the cancer causing agents that are found in cigarettes.

Although it is recommended that this gum not be used longer than three to six months, no serious health risks have been identified by using this gum. John Hughes, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont in Burlington, and spokesperson for the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco had this to say, "I've encountered people using the gum for 15 years, and their main complaint is the cost of the gum." (It is estimated that the cost of using nicotine gum is roughly the same as smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes every day but also keep in mind that the cheapest nicotine gum may not always be your best bargain).

And according to Richard Hurt, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., "As far as we now know," he says, "there are no heart or vascular problems associated with long-term use."

However it is suggested that if you find a need to use this gum for longer than six months that you contact your doctor or health care provider.

Also if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or become pregnant during your use of nicotine gum you should speak with your doctor before continuing.

Warnings and Cautions for Use with Nicotine Gum

• Keep in mind that this gum is to be used by adults only and is not for people under age 18
• If you have never smoked you should not use this gum
• If you have recently suffered from a stroke or heart attack make sure you check with your doctor or health care provider before beginning use
• If you are suffering with heart disease, palpitations, or angina, again make sure you check with your doctor or health care provider
• If you have high blood pressure that is not being controlled with medication be aware that your blood pressure can be increased by the use of nicotine and should be avoided
• You do not want to smoke while using this nicotine gum
• If you have dentures, caps, or bridgework, make sure you check with your dentist before beginning use

Again remember that nicotine replacement therapy and nicotine gum in particular is not a silver bullet.  But with a bit of determination, willpower, and attitude that remains positive, nicotine gum can help you quit smoking for good.

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