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Smoking is a disgusting habit that has only become more frowned upon in recent years. However, it is also addictive, which means it can be hard to stop once you have started.
Not only can smoking cause cancer, but it can also contaminate your lungs and weaken your overall health.
Because of this, many people try to quit smoking by seeking therapeutic methods, such as nicotine patches or plastic cigarettes.
However, one of the most common techniques is chewing nicorette gum, which helps to ease your nicotine addiction in a controlled and gradual manner.
While the concept of nicorette gum may sound simple, it is not as easy as chewing a normal piece of gum. Nicorette gum is a prescribed medication and must be used following strict instructions and guidelines.
So if you want to know how to use nicorette gum, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we are going to teach you how to use nicorette gum to overcome your nicotine addiction. We have also included some helpful tips that can be used to ease the overall process.
Just take a look down below and you will find everything you need to get started…
What Is Nicorette Gum?
Nicorette gum is a kind of chewing gum that delivers nicotine to the body, where it enters the bloodstream via the tissues in your mouth.
The gum is used as a form of nicotine replacement therapy, a process of smoking cessation found across the world. It is available over-the-counter in Europe and the United States, where the gum is usually available in different flavours and strengths.
In most countries, nicotine gum can be purchased with either 2 – 4mg of nicotine. The most popular brands include nicotex, nicogum, and, of course, nicorette.
Other viable replacement methods include the nicotine patch, nicotine capsules, and the nicotine inhaler.
How To Use Nicorette Gum
Now that you understand what nicorette gum is, let’s take a look at how you can use the medication to overcome your nicotine addiction.
In the following sections, we have outlined how to use the gum to its fullest potential. While also keeping in line with the recommended guidelines.
So without further ado, this is how you use nicorette gum:
Step One: Find The Right Dose
Before you can start using nicorette gum, you must first determine the right dose for your addiction, as this will often yield the best results.
As we previously mentioned, nicorette gum comes in two strengths, which include 2mg and 4mg. The dose you need will depend on when you start smoking in the day and how many cigarettes you are currently using.
For example, if you start smoking your first cigarettes 30 minutes after you wake up, then you should consider the 4mg dose.
Over time, you will be able to reduce the amount of gum you are chewing a day until you are not using it at all. However, this can take between 8 – 12 weeks to fully manifest.
Step Two: Use Gum Every 1-2 Hours
When you start using nicorette gum, it is recommended that you chew a piece of gum every 1 – 2 hours for the first six weeks of your quit attempt.
To help with this, it is important to think ahead to when you might crave a cigarette, as this will allow you to choose a piece of gum instead.
Of course, the only downside of quitting is the withdrawal symptoms, which you will have to ease with the help of gum and other nicotine replacements. To get through this process, it is recommended that you chew at least 9 pieces of gum a day for the first six weeks.
Step Three: Use Gum With Nicotine Patch
If you are using nicorette gum along with a nicotine patch, then you will not need to chew as much gum during the day.
While you can use both replacement methods to ease your cravings, you should not chew more than 24 pieces of gum per day.
Once you have been using nicorette gum for around six weeks, you will be able to reduce the amount of gum you consume to one piece every 2 – 4 hours and then one piece every 4 – 8 hours.
What If You Don’t Smoke Every Day?
If you want to quit smoking but smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, then you will need to seek the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.
In cases such as these, your doctor may recommend putting you on a lower dose or advise chewing the gum less frequently throughout the week.
Despite your dosage, it is recommended that you don’t eat or drink anything before chewing the gum, as this can hinder nicotine absorption.
Helpful Nicorette Gum Tips
Now that you understand how to use nicorette gum, let’s take a look at some helpful tips on how to use the product to its full potential.
We have also included some important information about nicorette gum that you should always keep in mind before introducing it to your home:
Nicorette Gum Is Not Regular Gum
Despite being described as chewing gum, nicorette gum is very different from normal candies and should be treated with care.
When using the gum, you should wait until you feel a tingling sensation in your mouth before placing the gum between the inside of your cheek and gums. By doing this for one minute, you will allow the nicotine to be absorbed into your body.
Repeat this process until the tingling stops while constantly parking the gum between your cheeks.
Keep Away From Children & Pets
It is always important to remember that nicotine gum is a medication and not candy, which means it should never find its way into the hands of children.
In fact, nicorette gum contains so much nicotine that it could make animals and children sick, which is why it should be stored in a secure place where your children and pets cannot reach it.
You must always make sure that you throw the gum away once you are done, with the best method being to wrap the gum in paper before putting it in the trash.
If your child or pet does consume nicorette gum, you will need to contact medical services to come and help.
Finding The Best Nicorette Flavor
While nicorette gum is considered a form of medication, this does not mean that you have to suffer through its clinical flavor.
In fact, there are many ex-smokers who detest the taste of nicorette gum, which is why the company now produces the nicotine replacement in a range of different flavors.
Right now, you can purchase nicorette gum that tastes like mint, cinnamon, and cherry – there are also being other flavors to choose from. So if you don’t like the standard flavor, don’t give up hope and remember you have the option to choose another.
Using Nicorette After Smoking Cigarettes
When trying to quit smoking, it is normal to have a slip along the way. However, this does not mean that you should give up or that you can no longer use your nicorette gum.
Just throw your cigarettes away and go back to your usual routine, while also using the gum as instructed.
Final Thoughts
Nicorette gum is a great alternative to regular smoking, as it fuels your nicotine addiction while helping you to overcome your cravings.
While it can be easy to use, there are still guidelines that need to be followed to achieve the best results. This is why you should read the instructions and follow your doctor’s recommendations, while also keeping the gum away from pets and children.
