This is my last cigarette – If this is something you keep on telling people quite often and then end up lighting another one then you are not alone. Smoking, however injurious is an extremely addictive activity. It gets slowly ingrained into your lifestyle, makes your body dependent on nicotine, and takes over your rational mind. While it is definitely a difficult journey, quitting smoking is not something unachievable.
All you need is – the right tools, ample motivation, and strong willpower! You can win the battle against smoking given you stay focused.
In this blog will discuss an effective and affordable product that has proven its worth as a go-to NRT product. These small, unassuming gum packs act as a powerful tool that helps fight against nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
However, in order to make the most of out of NRT products, it is important to know how to use nicotine gums skillfully. Read on as we offer some practical advice and tips that will help you master the use of nicotine gums and live a smoke-free life.
Nicotine gums – a powerful tool to deal with nicotine cravings
As some of you already know, nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is present in tobacco which makes it difficult to quit smoking. When your body does not get nicotine, it experiences withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, sleeplessness, constipation, and so on. Hence, you cannot just suddenly stop the nicotine but need to deal with its addiction strategically!
Nicotine gums, as the name suggests, are chewing gums. But they come loaded with a certain amount of nicotine. Once chewed, they release nicotine into your body via mouth. This way you get the nicotine without the hazardous cigarette smoke and it helps you deal with nicotine cravings.
How to use nicotine gums effectively?
The decision to quit smoking in itself is not an easy one to make. But if you have already made it – nicotine gums will definitely help you beat this challenge.
Here are key tips to keep in mind while using them effectively.
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Get to know your nicotine needs:
Before embarking on your journey to quit smoking, it is important to understand your smoking habits and nicotine addiction. You need to assess your nicotine dependency-like how many cigarettes you smoke in a day or when you smoke them. Evaluating these things will help you understand your smoking habit.
Once you understand your nicotine needs, you can tailor your choice and find a suitable starting strength of nicotine gum. The key is to slowly and gradually reduce the nicotine strength and get your body used to functioning without feeling the need to smoke!
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Chew carefully:
Now this is a tricky part! While it is a gum, nicotine gum is not a regular chewing gum!
The art of chewing nicotine gums lies in moderation and timing. Take the nicotine gum a few minutes before your smoking time so that your body starts getting the nicotine before the urge strikes.
Additionally, you need to chew the nicotine chewing gum slowly until you feel a slight tingling sensation or peppery flavor. Then “park” the gum between your cheek and gum to allow the nicotine to absorb gradually. Let it rest for a few minutes and start the cycle again. Do this for nearly 30 minutes or till your gum runs out of the peppery flavor.
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Identify patterns:
Establish a structured schedule for gum usage. If you have some triggers or special times when you crave cigarettes, you need to start planning your gum usage as per your smoking schedule. The key is to remain consistent and maintain regular intervals between gum use and nicotine cravings. This will help you manage your withdrawal symptoms even before the strike.
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Gradual Reduction Strategy:
The ultimate goal of replacing cigarettes with nicotine gums is to liberate yourself from nicotine dependence. You need to plan a step-down strategy by gradually reducing gum usage over time. You can start with the higher-strength gum and gradually shift to lower strengths till you can live without them completely.
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Combating Cravings Strategically:
Nicotine cravings can be intense but transient. While you use the nicotine gum to manage them, you can also develop counter strategies to fight the urges. Make changes to your lifestyle and replace your smoking time with something more distracting or engaging. You need to trick your mind by keeping it involved in other things.
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Seek Professional Guidance:
Sometimes, it is important to seek professional help. It is not a reflection on your character but consulting a healthcare professional or a smoking cessation counselor will provide you with personalised guidance.
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Patience and Persistence:
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and quitting smoking isn’t an overnight feat. Even if you fail, be patient with yourself.Do not let setbacks make you feel hopeless. See them as learning opportunities and stay commitment to your goal of a smoke-free life.
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Follow a healthy lifestyle:
Indulge in physical activities, mindfulness exercises, or hobbies to divert focus from cravings and promote overall well-being.
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Maintain oral health:
Smoking is not only a phyisical habit, it also involves oral fixation. People who smoke end up having a bad smell or blackened teeth. Hence, when you are using Nicotine Gums, do remember to throw them when they no longer secrete nicotine.
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Take care of your hydration needs
Drinking water is essential for your overall well being. But when you are on you way to quit smoking, it becomes all the more importabnt to stay hydrated because you need to avoid having a dry mouth.
Lastly – Keep your reasons for quitting in focus. Inform the people around you of your decision and seek help whenever needed.
While the journey to quit smoking is a taxing one, it is also equally rewarding. Follow these tips to use nicotine gums and embark on a smoke-free and healthy lifestyle!
