[ToeJam]

Placing this in this section as it's to do with smoking cessation in a way but if I've got it wrong please move

I essentially stopped smoking about 8 years ago (for money and health reasons) and replaced it with nicotine gum. I guess I should be honest and say that the smoking itself wasn't an issue... but the addiction to nicotine and requiring it as a crutch (plus hating the withdrawl symptoms) is. I've been chewing the gum ever since and at this time I'm exceeding the recommended dose of 15 a day quite regularly (closer to 30): 2mg gum.

A bit stuck on this as I've conflicted opinions on the matter. I'm one of these people that if I know something has a high probability of causing me problems down the line then I'll try and curb it... but when I've asked (in a general sense) health proffesionals about adverse effects from gum they've been a bit evasive mostly due to a lack of study on the long term effects... (this being in the UK)

Does anybody know of any reliable scientific sources on nicotine replacement therapy (in long term cases)?

I just want to set my mind at ease and be self aware on what I'm doing to my body if it is in fact a problem... if that makes sense?

Thank you

[Travelinglady]

Hi! I am thinking the gum is generally used to help people wean off cigarettes and is not meant to replace them. Right? It's no wonder, as you know, that when you start to feel withdrawal, you get right back to it. Are there no directions about quitting along with the gum?

I suggest you tell your doctor about it. Maybe there's some program or professional out there who can help you to get rid of the nicotine addiction once and for all.

Have you checked on the Internet about such programs? I would think you might find some scientific studies with a bit of searching. Best of luck in quitting the nicotine habit!

[ToeJam]

Originally Posted by PAYNE1

Hi! I am thinking the gum is generally used to help people wean off cigarettes and is not meant to replace them. Right? It's no wonder, as you know, that when you start to feel withdrawal, you get right back to it. Are there no directions about quitting along with the gum?

I suggest you tell your doctor about it. Maybe there's some program or professional out there who can help you to get rid of the nicotine addiction once and for all.

Have you checked on the Internet about such programs? I would think you might find some scientific studies with a bit of searching. Best of luck in quitting the nicotine habit!

I mentioned in brief to the Dr the other day but he was fixated on another issue so just said 'that's not good... but about bla bla bla' so I'll mention it again when I see him in a month.

And yes, it is meant to ween you off. I guess I'm the sort that sees the positives in my errors as it were. i.e. I like nictotine... but I can't smoke at work or in public places, + it makes me cough alot and smell... so I'll chew gum = win win.

Coming to the conclusion that I'm chewing them excessively though and friends and family have been on my case about it so I guess I ought to do something... or reassure them in some way (partly the initial direction of the topic).

I'll chat to the doc soon and see what he says.

[wisedude]

LOL. You are like me, but I am worst!

Been chewing the gum for over a decade and I chew the 4mg gum and around 40 pieces a day!

I have a bad reputation for leaving the gum in annoying places! And some of my friends complain about my "chewing noises"!

It is however MUCH healthier than tobacco smoking.

There are some medical treatment options (talk to doctor), but if you want to get off it, I think you need to gradually reduce the frequency/amount you are chewing, by keeping a chart and timing you doses. SLOWLY is the key. You can work on moving towards cutting the gum in half, then after a while into quarters etc.

I have gotten off it before using above method but due to stressful circumstances relapsed within week or so!

Bloody expensive habit for me!

Edit: Oh, I'd check your blood pressure, and get general health checks etc. If all good, then your prob not getting health consequences from your use!