I’m Addicted to Nicotine Gum—What Should I Do?

I quit smoking 8 months ago and used nicotine gum to help me do it. But I am still chewing gum now, and I am starting to wonder if I am addicted to it. Is chewing two or three pieces a day really much better than smoking a pack of cigarettes every day?
 
Answer: This is a tricky question that needs to be taken seriously. On one hand, chewing a few pieces of nicotine gum each day is much better than smoking. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, of which 250 are known toxins and over 70 are identified carcinogens.

We also know that inhaling secondhand smoke is harmful and poses a double threat to smokers, as they breathe in both mainstream and sidestream smoke. Research is still ongoing—we do not yet fully understand all the dangers that smoking brings us.

However, while cigarette smoke is much worse than nicotine alone, nicotine is not a harmless substance. There are growing concerns that long-term use of nicotine may lead to cancer. Nicotine also affects our bodily functions—it increases heart strain and blood pressure.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology has reported that nicotine harms the lining of our arteries, leading to plaque buildup, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, nicotine suppresses insulin output, creating a high blood sugar condition for smokers. The bottom line is that nicotine is also harmful, and the best outcome is to stay away from it.

Free from addiction

While it is true that you get less nicotine from gum compared to smoking, the psychological effect is significant; your body sends and receives the message that you cannot live without nicotine—you are not strong enough to completely give it up.

Do not underestimate yourself. If you want to successfully quit smoking, you can take a step forward and completely eliminate your dependence on nicotine.

Make a plan to quit your nicotine gum and aim to achieve your goal. Do not be afraid to let others know what you are going through. Seek support from family, friends, and colleagues, and your stress will become lighter. You will be surprised by how understanding people can be, so do not feel ashamed. You are not the first person to have this issue—far from it.

The threat of relapse

Avoiding relapse into smoking involves learning how to cope without nicotine in your life. If you still rely on nicotine, regardless of its form, you are at an increased risk of relapse. Additionally, because you are using an addictive substance, your tolerance to nicotine will increase over time, which will also increase your intake.

In stressful and tense situations, you will continue to trigger cravings for nicotine until you have completely cleared it from your system and learned new coping methods.

The life you deserve is one free from nicotine addiction. Believe in yourself—you are strong enough to completely remove nicotine from your body and your life.

Should I completely avoid nicotine replacement therapy?

Absolutely not. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) have helped thousands of smokers successfully quit. Quitting smoking is not easy, and no two quitting journeys are the same. There are various cessation aids available that can ultimately save more lives.

Remember: nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) are not intended for long-term use.

Whatever we do in life, most things come with some level of risk, and nicotine replacement therapy is no different. Understand the potential for abuse, be careful to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions, and gradually wean off nicotine replacement products.