Nicotine is the addictive substance found in tobacco. Many people who wish to stop smoking turn to alternative sources of nicotine such as patches or gum. In some cases, dependency on the new source of nicotine develops. Nicotine gum dependency has also been reported in users who have never smoked, reports a 2007 study published in "BMC Public Health."
Long-Term Use
A 2002 article published in the medical journal "Chest" advises the use of nicotine gum for up to 12 weeks following the cessation of tobacco use. A 2009 study published in "Addictive Behaviors" found that people who used nicotine gum for longer than 12 weeks were more likely to describe themselves as dependent on the gum. The study reports that half of long-term users rate their nicotine gum addiction as similar or stronger to their former addiction to tobacco products.
Increased Use
The study published in "Addictive Behavior" found that people who chew 10 pieces or more of nicotine gum per day and/or had a daily nicotine intake around 24 mg per day were more likely to be addicted to the gum. In contrast, users who were not addicted to nicotine gum reported chewing less than 8 pieces per day. This equates to an average daily nicotine dose of about 14 mg.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are characteristic of nicotine dependence, explains MayoClinic.com. According to the articles published in "BMC Public Health" and "Addictive Behavior," users addicted to nicotine gum described withdrawal symptoms to include intense cravings for gum and difficulty concentrating.
References
- "BMC Public Health"; Addiction to the nicotine gum in never smokers; Jean-François Etter; July 2007
- "Chest"; Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Tobacco Cessation; Jane E. Anderson et al.; March 2002
- "Addictive Behaviors"; Dependence on the nicotine gum in former smokers; Jean-François Etter; 2009
- The Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of Nicotine Dependence
