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Nicotine Gum And How It Can Help You Quit Smoking

Cigarette addiction is one of the hardest habits to beat and there is some speculation out there as to whether or not replacing nicotine in cigarettes with things like nicotine patches and gums is really beneficial to someone who is trying to quit.

Nicotine gum is available over the counter and is recommended to be used over a 12-week period.  It works by allowing the individual to chew the gum, which releases small amounts of nicotine into the system, helping with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Is nicotine gum really effective to help smokers quit smoking?

The idea behind nicotine gum is that it will cut down on the nicotine withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to break the smoking habit.  It’s recommended that smokers chew between 10 and 15 pieces of nicotine gum per day, however, the package instructions should be followed.  Coffee and soda should be avoided being consumed before and after chewing the gum. 

The nice thing about nicotine replacements is that they do not have the tar and toxins that tobacco cigarettes have, however, the downside is that they can be rather expensive to purchase and many smokers are opting to quit because of the rising cost of cigarettes. 

Another downside is that they also provide less nicotine than a smoker is used to getting from smoking cigarettes.  Smokers should not be smoking cigarettes and using nicotine replacements at the same time.  It is not recommended that people with certain health conditions or pregnant or nursing women using nicotine replacements such as nicotine gum or nicotine patches. 

Smokers who quit smoking experience a lot of positive benefits of being cigarette free such as an improved sense of smell and taste.  Individuals who have quit smoking will also notice a difference in their ability to exercise or stay physically active. 

It’s important to be quitting for the right reasons.  Thinking of an individual’s own health may sometimes not be enough, however, many will quit for their children.  It’s important for the people surrounding an individual who is attempting to quit smoking to be positive and as helpful as possible.  Ultimately, the withdrawal symptoms and mood swings will pass and life can return to normal.  It may take several months or even a year before an ex-smoker feels like he or she has surpassed the most difficult obstacles of quitting smoking, but it’s important to understand that this time will come. 

Being aware of the symptoms your loved one may be experiencing when going through nicotine withdrawal can also be helpful.  So can creating a plan in which the entire household can participate in. 

Tags: addiction, cessation, cigarette addiction, cigarettes, nicotine gum, nicotine withdrawal, quitting, smokers, stop smoking

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