Smoking is a dangerous habit that can cause many health problems, including deadly forms of cancer. However, tobacco products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that activates the pleasure center of your brain. These addictive properties can make it difficult for you to quit. One common tool that you can use to help simplify the smoking cessation process is gum.
Step 1
Buy sugar-free gum in bulk at your local warehouse store or supermarket. The road to quitting can be a long one, and although gum is not expensive per pack, multiple packs can start to add up. Buying in bulk will save you money in the long run. Buying sugar-free gum helps negate the added sugar and calories that regular gum can add to your diet when chewing as frequently as you may need to during the cessation process.
Step 2
Carry gum in your pocket at all times, and place a pack in your car, in a drawer at work and in your kitchen for emergencies. Making sure that you have your gum available will make sure when a craving hits that you will not be tempted to smoke if gum is not readily available.
Step 3
Chew the gum whenever you feel the craving to smoke. Chewing gum helps relieve the oral fixation you normally would get from having a cigarette in your mouth. It also keeps your mouth busy to keep your mind off of smoking.
Step 4
Purchase a pack of over-the-counter nicotine gum. When regular sugar-free gum is not enough to help your cravings subside, switching to a nicotine delivery system, such as nicotine gum, may help, says the Mayo Clinic. With nicotine gum, you alternate between chewing the gum and holding it between your teeth and the tissue of your cheek. This allows the nicotine to be absorbed through the tissues and into your bloodstream to help reduce nicotine cravings for cigarettes.
Step 5
Consider combining the nicotine patch with regular sugar free gum. If you need a more consistent supply of nicotine, wearing a nicotine patch can help deliver the drug without having to chew gum. You can use regular sugar-free gum as needed to help reduce the oral fixation and keep your mouth busy.
Tips and Warnings
- Work with your doctor to find the safest and healthiest ways to use gum in your smoking cessation process.
- Follow the directions on nicotine gum exactly as shown to avoid potential side effects.
Things You'll Need
- Sugar-free gum
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patch
