Nicotine Gum: An Alternative to Help You Kick the Smoking Habit
Nicotine gum should always be used as directed under medical supervision for smoking cessation rather than as a long-term substitute for cigarettes.
What is Nicotine Gum?
Nicotine gum is a chewing gum that contains nicotine and is designed to help smokers gradually overcome nicotine dependence. It works by releasing nicotine into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth when chewed. This helps relieve cravings that smokers experience when trying to quit. Nicotine gum is available over-the-counter without a prescription in most countries and is approved by health authorities as a smoking cessation aid.
How Nicotine Gum Works
When a smoker chews nicotine gum, Nicotine Gum is slowly released from the gum and absorbed through the tissues in the mouth into the bloodstream. This provides a low level of nicotine that satisfies cravings without the smoke and other chemicals from cigarettes. Unlike smoking where a large “bolus” of nicotine is rapidly absorbed, nicotine from gum is absorbed at a slower rate over a 30-60 minute period through the lining of the mouth. This gradual, controlled nicotine dosing can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during a quit attempt. The gum comes in different strengths, typically 2 mg and 4 mg variations, allowing smokers to gradually reduce their nicotine intake over time as their dependency lessens.
Using Nicotine Gum for Smoking Cessation
Nicotine gum is meant to be used as part of a stop smoking program rather than as a substitute for cigarettes. It provides temporary relief from nicotine cravings during a quit attempt but does not fully replace the behavioral aspects of smoking. When using nicotine gum, it is recommended to:
- Chew one piece of gum slowly whenever craving a cigarette. This could be up to 24 pieces per day initially.
- Chew each piece of gum for 30 minutes. Park the gum between cheek and gum to release nicotine slowly.
- Chew gum only when experiencing cravings, not constantly throughout the day.
- Gradually decrease gum use over a period of weeks or months as cravings subside with the goal of quitting nicotine altogether.
- Set a quit date and use the gum only after that point, not beforehand as a way to keep smoking.
Effectiveness of Nicotine Gum
Several large clinical studies have found nicotine gum to be about 25% more effective than unaided quit attempts at helping smokers successfully quit long-term. It roughly doubles a smoker’s chances of quitting compared to going "cold turkey" without any help. However, success rates are still modest - about 15-30% of smokers who use nicotine gum long-term are able to remain smoke-free. Combining nicotine gum with other cessation methods like counseling or prescription medications has been shown to further improve quit rates. Using gum as instructed for an extended period of 3-6 months maximizes its effectiveness in relieving cravings during smoking cessation.
Potential Side Effects
Potential side effects from long-term nicotine gum use include jaw ache, indigestion or upset stomach from chewing and swallowing excess nicotine doses. Other less common side effects may include mouth soreness, hiccups and headaches. These are usually mild and tend to diminish as the body adjusts to nicotine from gum rather than smoke. Nicotine gum poses much lower health risks than smoking cigarettes since it does not produce carbon monoxide or tar that cause lung cancer and heart disease. However, nicotine is addictive and long-term nicotine gum use may cause nicotine dependence itself that is challenging to overcome. As with any quit smoking method, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for people with certain medical conditions. Nicotine gum should always be used as directed under medical supervision for smoking cessation rather than as a long-term substitute for cigarettes.
Cost and Availability of Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is available over-the-counter in most countries without a prescription. Major brands sold worldwide include Nicorette, Nicoderm CQ and Commit Lozenges. The cost of nicotine gum ranges from around $15-30 per 40-60 piece pack depending on the strength and pharmacy or retailer. Most health insurance plans cover at least part of the expense for approved tobacco cessation medications like nicotine gum when used to quit smoking. Several public health programs also offer nicotine gum and other smoking cessation aids at discounted costs. With proper medical guidance and adherence to recommended usage guidelines, nicotine gum is a low-risk option that can significantly increase chances of quitting smoking successfully compared to going cold turkey alone.
Overall, nicotine gum provides smokers with an effective yet safe alternative for managing nicotine cravings during a stop smoking attempt. By gradually delivering small doses of nicotine over an extended period, it can help reduce both physiological and behavioral withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting. While it does not replace cigarettes altogether and success rates remain modest, numerous studies have demonstrated nicotine gum roughly doubles abstinence rates compared to unaided quitting when used properly under medical guidance. As part of a comprehensive smoking cessation plan, this low-risk stop smoking aid is worth considering for maximizing chances of breaking the addiction to cigarettes and maintaining long-term abstinence from tobacco.
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)