Cigarette smoking is one of the most powerful addictions in modern society. I have met people who were able to quit cocaine or heroin and still can't quit smoking! You may know that smoking is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the United States (cigarettes are responsible for at least 1 of every 5 deaths in this country!). Today, we will focus on using nicotine gum to aid you in your quest to get back to a smoke-free lifestyle.

There are many therapies that can be used to help a person quit smoking. Treatments range from nicotine gum and a medication called Zyban to acupuncture and hypnotism. Each person may have a therapy that works best for him or her. Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult, especially when one tries to quit "cold turkey." Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help in reaching your goal of quitting!

One of the more popular forms of treatment for smoking cessation is nicotine gum. People who use nicotine gum are more likely to quit smoking than those who use no treatment at all. Remember, however, that there is no "magic bullet" to magically cure an addiction and every person who gets treatment of any form still has to be very motivated to quit.

Nicotine gum can be chewed on a regular basis in order to help reduce cravings, as nicotine is thought to be the main addictive substance found in cigarettes. In addition, if a particularly strong craving occurs, an extra piece of gum can be chewed on an "as needed" basis. It is important to understand the proper way to chew nicotine gum to get maximum benefit and avoid discomfort.

The gum should be chewed slowly until a "peppery" taste is noticed at which time the gum should be placed between the cheek and gum and left there for a period of time. This allows the nicotine to be absorbed from the mouth directly into the blood stream. Alternation between slow chewing and allowing the gum to rest between the cheek and gum should occur for about thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, the piece of gum should be discarded. It is also important to note that absorption is reduced when acidic beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks, are consumed.

People are generally advised to chew the gum on a regular schedule, such as one piece every one to two hours while awake. Waiting until a craving occurs before chewing a piece of gum does not seem to be as effective as chewing gum regularly. Treatment is generally given for about eight weeks, though this may vary depending on the individual. The number of pieces of gum per day is then gradually tapered down until none is required.

It is important that patients refrain from smoking while using nicotine gum. This is especially important for those with heart disease and pregnant women. When a person smokes while chewing nicotine gum, levels of nicotine can reach potentially dangerous levels. Nicotine toxicity can have adverse effects on the heart and may pose a risk to a developing fetus.

Side effects of nicotine gum are generally mild. Some people complain of sore mouth, hiccups, stomach upset and/or jaw ache. Most of these side effects, however, are due to improper usage of the gum. Jaw ache, hiccups and upset stomach, for example, are generally due to over-chewing and swallowing too much nicotine. When a person alternates between chewing slowly and then letting the gum rest between the cheek and gum, the nicotine gets absorbed from the mouth directly into the blood and the jaw gets to rest. Once these principles are followed, the side effects often disappear.

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using nicotine gum. Most people can use nicotine replacement without any difficulty. As other articles on this site discuss, there are alternative nicotine delivery systems that may be preferable for certain individuals, such as the nicotine patch or nasal spray.

Quitting smoking can be frustrating and, at times, may seem like an overwhelming task. As you fight to stop your addiction, never lose sight of how important the battle really is. Nicotine gum is one form of treatment that may help you reach your goal of quitting. Sometimes, we all need a little help.