Nicotine gum can be used to help bridge the gap between smoking and quitting.Nicotine gum releases a small amount of nicotine into your bloodstream to help your body adjust to the lack of cigarettes and give your mouth something to do besides smoking.Nicotine gum can help you quit smoking if you use it every day.
Step 1: Nicotine gum can be purchased over the counter.
You don't need a prescription to buy nicotine gum in most drug stores.Some brands are effective, but others have different flavors that you might like more.Nicotine gum brands are popular.
Step 2: If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day, you should pick 2 gum.
If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes in a day, you don't need the heavy-duty nicotine gum.Look at the package and make sure it has nicotine in it.
Step 3: If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, choose 4 gum.
If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, you should buy nicotine gum with 4 grams of nicotine in it.The package of gum has nicotine per piece.Talk to your doctor if you don't know which strength to choose.
Step 4: On the day you start chewing gum, stop using cigarettes.
Don't use cigarettes on that day if you have a specific date in mind.It is important that you stop using cigarettes completely as soon as you start chewing nicotine gum in order to not put too much nicotine in your body.
Step 5: For the first 6 weeks, chew 1 piece of gum every hour.
If you stop smoking cigarettes, you should use 1 piece of gum every 1.5 hours to satisfy your nicotine cravings.Don't chew more than one piece of gum at a time.Try to use 8 to 10 pieces of gum a day.
Step 6: You should not eat or drink 15 minutes before chewing gum.
Coffee, juice, and soda are acidic and may diminish the amount of nicotine in your body.Don't drink or eat before or as you chew your gum.Nicotine can be washed down your throat and hurt your stomach if you drink liquids while chewing gum.
Step 7: Slowly chew until you feel a sensation in your mouth.
The nicotine in the gum causes a sensation in your mouth.It will not be uncomfortable, even though it may feel slightly spicy.You might have to chew the gum for up to a minute before you start feeling nicotine.
Step 8: There is a piece of gum between your cheeks.
Pick a spot in your mouth where you can put your piece of gum.If you want to stop chewing it, push it with your tongue.If you want to avoid irritation in your mouth, try to park your gum in different places.
Step 9: For about 1 minute, hold it there.
You don't want to swallow nicotine if you keep the gum between your cheek and gums.It will enter your bloodstream through the vessels in your cheeks and gums.If you swallow too much nicotine, it can cause problems.
Step 10: If you want to repeat the process for 30 minutes, chew the piece of gum again.
If there is no more peppery nicotine taste after 30 minutes, then use the "chew and park" method.Once the nicotine in the gum is used up, you can throw it away.Don't swallow the gum when it's used up.There is still nicotine left that could upset you.At regular times, use multiple pieces of gum.When you first start, it is normal to go through about 8–10 pieces per day.
Step 11: After 14 days of no cravings, you should stop chewing gum.
Your urge to smoke cigarettes could come back if you stop using nicotine gum too quickly.If you don't want to smoke for about 2 weeks, then slowly cut back on the gum that you are using.Follow the timelines for the most effective strategy if you read the instructions on the package of gum.If you have been chewing nicotine-laden gum, you can cut it back to 2 grams.
Step 12: If you have a craving for 3 months, continue to chew the gum.
If you don't have the urge to smoke as much as you used to, you should still use gum a few times a day.If your brain has a craving, use the chew and park method.
Step 13: When you have less than 2 pieces of gum per day, stop using it.
If you stop using the gum too early, your urge to smoke could return in full force.If you want to cut yourself off from cold turkey, be careful.If you have stopped using nicotine, you should keep a pack of it around.
Step 14: When the gum expires, throw it away.
If you want to dispose of nicotine gum after it expires, you should check your package to see how long it is good for.The nicotine in expired gum is not as effective as fresh nicotine.