Your Detox Store Blog

It is not the cigarettes as a whole that are addictive, just one ‘ingredient’ that goes into them – nicotine. Headaches, feelings of depression and irritability are the main side effects of nicotine withdrawal, but there are others too. This problem was addressed in the early 80s, with the introduction of nicotine gum. More smokers have successfully quit smoking using it than any other quit smoking aid. Recently, it has become even easier to try this popular supplement as it is now available over-the-counter.

Doctors recommend using the gum for up to 12 weeks. Those who still feel the need to smoke after that period of time are advised to speak with their doctor. Though it helps most people, some find themselves becoming addicted to the gum. In a sense, people kick one habit and trade it for another. You may ask – “Is that bad?” Sure, a nicotine habit is bad – just like an addiction to caffeine or candy is bad, but what is worse – smoking or nicotine-laced gum? The answer is the smoking.

The major harm that comes from smoking is not necessarily in the nicotine addiction. The reason cigarettes are so unhealthy is because of the thousands of chemicals added to them by the manufacturers. These chemicals are not found in nicotine gum. Smoking a cigarette gives you a quick surge of nicotine, whereas the gum delivers the nicotine slowly through the mucous membranes of your mouth, plus the levels of nicotine are lower.

Do not be fooled into thinking that nicotine gum is an easy solution to your cigarette habit though, as it is not. The longer you use the gum, the more addicted to it you will be, and more similar the withdrawal symptoms will be to those faced when quitting smoking.