Gum??

[jackieb03]

I was just wondering how many of you did the nicotine gum?  Is this cheating.  the more I think about it I am thinking I should just stop chewing it.  The first week I did nothing because I was on vacation and was fine.  Getting home the old habit came back bearing down on me so I pop the gum 1-2 times a day.  Just wondering if this is a bad idea also??

[SarahP]

Hi Jackie!  I used the gum in past attempts, and used the losenges this time (basically the same as the gum). Every time you use a piece, you are starting the nicotine withdrawal cycle again. While it can take the edge off and let you focus on other aspects of quitting, eventually you have to quit the gum too and finally deal with the nicotine. 

You already made it a week, so you know you can do it. Listen to your body and make the choice that seems right for you. You will hear lots of opinions here, especially on the topic of nicotine aids, but the bottom line is you have to make your own choice.

Here is some reading that might help you understand this addiction and overcome the nicotine once and for all: the website www.quitsmokingonline.com, and the free book you can download at http://joga.365.lt/Allen-Carr_Easy-Way-To-Stop-Smoking_Download-free-PDF-EBook. 

Stick around!  This is a great community and we can help you! 

[jackieb03]

Thanks Sarah  I just put a piece in my mouth but the first one today and I have been up for 11 hours so I think that is really good.   Thanks for helping me with the book also.:)

[SarahP]

I used 4-5 pieces (losenges) a day my first week, 2-3 pieces a day my second week, and right around day 15, I used my last piece in the morning and bought more on my way home from work, but never even opened the package. I think they're still in my kitchen cupboard... 🙂

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Its easy to get hooked on the gum.

just be careful.

[fresh3]

Hi, Jackie.  It was really funny.  I have this big ol' box of gum purchased by my enthusiastic nonsmoking husband.  170 pieces.  The directions said to use 6 a day.  It was way too much for me.  I never got close to using that many.

After a couple of days, I only took out a piece if I felt I Wanted it (needed it?)  I was chewing maybe 3 half pieces a day.  A couple of days later, maybe 5 days in all,  it just didn't have any useful appeal to me.  so I've blown it off.

but the box is still in my desk drawer.  I like knowing it's there.  But seriously, apart from a feeling of security, I don't need it.

One or two a day, if they get you through a testy situation, I think that sounds really smart.  You can imagine, after a couple of more weeks, losing interest altogether.

[jack14]

EX is giving away free gum to winners. You should try entering.

[froguelady]

I agree with Sarah, you decide what is right for you.  I tried the gum once but did not like it at all.  I quit using the nicotrol inhaler but never even 1/3 as much as it says you can.  It slowly get the biggest majority of nicotine out of your system but it is still nicotine, use very carefully.

[ryan44]

I used the patch for about 9 weeks.  I needed that time to get the habit part under control. I went down in amts though so when I went off I was only losing 7 mg of nicotin. I wouldn't call it cheating at all. I think what ever gets you off Cigs is great. Might have been better if you had gone to regular gum than nicotine gum after you had the week with no nicotine. At that point the nicotine was already out of your system and the gum put it right back in. Whatever works for you is ok though.

[CommunityAdmin]

Hi, Jackie! Here's a great post from Dr. Hurt about using nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/community/expert-advice/blog/2012/02/18/why-take-medications-to-q...

[jackieb03]

Thank you all for the feedback.  I have decided to chew it if I need it.  It is much better than smoking.  Only chewed one piece yesterday.  Thanks for all the help.