How to Quit Nicotine Supplements

Every year, many Americans try to quit smoking. They go cold turkey, get hypnotized, take medications or herbs, or attempt other methods. One popular approach is to take nicotine supplements. Once available only by prescription, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges and nicotine patches are now available over the counter at drug and discount stores. Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays are available by prescription. These supplements can help ease smoking withdrawal symptoms, but you must then face the prospect of quitting the supplements themselves.

Things You'll Need

• Healthy food
• Vitamins
• Toothpicks
• Water
• Gum

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Instructions

Quitting Nicotine Supplements

• 1

  Build up your immune system by eating healthful foods including lean proteins, vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Take a multivitamin daily. Proper nutritional support helps you manage blood sugar, anxiety and other health and emotional issues better so you are more able to resist the urge to smoke or take nicotine supplements.

• 2

  Cut back gradually on the nicotine supplement you have been using. This will vary depending on the type of supplement you are taking. If you are using nicotine gum, for example, you might chew seven pieces one week, six the next and so on until you no longer take the supplement.

• 3

  Reduce your consumption of caffeinated beverages such as cola and coffee. Caffeine increases anxiety and nervousness, which may make you want to reach for nicotine supplements more often.

• 4

  Get busy. Get involved in activities and events so you do not think about taking the nicotine supplement as much.

• 5

  Use toothpicks, celery sticks and gum to satisfy cravings for nicotine supplements and cigarettes.