When used as part of a stop plan, nicotine gum can provide much-needed support, helping you stay on track and reducing urges to smoke.
Stopping smoking is a big deal, but it's certainly not easy. One way that's helpful for many smokers is turning to nicotine gum for support. If you're looking for help to take the edge off cravings and withdrawal symptoms, gum can making the stopping process a little more manageable.
But does it really work? Let’s get into it.
Nicotine gum is a tool that can help adult smokers gradually reduce their dependence on cigarettes. Unlike regular chewing gum, it releases nicotine into your system through the lining of your mouth, easing cravings without many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.
It's important that nicotine gum be part of a stop plan, as then it can provide much-needed support to help you stay on track. The ideal outcome is that it'll reduce those intense urges to smoke.
Well, if you've ever blown a chewing gum bubble, it's worth noting that this isn't quite the same experience. Users will tell you that there's a special "chew-and-park" method that's ideal for helping your body absorb the nicotine properly:
Chew slowly: You'll soon feel a slight tingling sensation.
Stow the pouch between your cheek and gum to let the nicotine absorb.
Keep at it for about 30 minutes.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
You'll want to avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before and during use. This is especially important when it comes to coffee or acidic (fizzy) drinks, both of which can interfere with nicotine absorption.
Choose the right strength. 2mg for light smokers and 4mg for heavier smokers is a common benchmark.
When it comes to stopping smoking, there are a few reasons that nicotine chewing gum emerges as a great option:
It's perfectly reasonable to wonder if there'll be any side effects to choosing nicotine gums. But, like any product that contains nicotine, some people may experience mild side effects. According to Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the most common ones may include:
- Jaw or mouth soreness
- Hiccups
- Nausea (especially if chewed too quickly)
- A slight burning or tingling feeling in the mouth
These side effects are usually mild and temporary. The key is to follow the recommended usage guidelines to minimise any discomfort.
Nicotine gum is generally considered a potentially less harmful alternative because it doesn’t involve inhaling smoke or tar. But, it's critical to remember that it's still a nicotine product, so long-term use can, of course, lead to dependence.
It’s always best to use nicotine gum as part of a structured stopping plan and gradually reduce your intake over time. A great place to start is with your GP if quitting is on your bingo card this year.
