How do I End Dependence on Nicorette Gum?

The dangers of smoking are well documented, leading many habitual smokers to "kick the habit" and quit smoking. The use of Nicorette chewing gum is one way many smokers reduce their dependence on nicotine. Laced with small amounts of the drug, Nicorette allows the smoker a prescribed way to gradually reduce daily nicotine consumption; the drawback being that many smokers then become chemically dependent on the gum. Kicking the gum habit is similar to dealing with many addictions.

Things You'll Need

• Flavored chewing gum

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor about your Nicorette addiction prior to cessation of the gum. Your doctor may have some helpful information concerning the best way to approach quitting. Generally speaking, many experts advise a gradual decrease in usage until the drug is no longer needed.

• 2

  Substitute normal chewing gum of the brand of your choice with the same flavor as your Nicorette gum; for instance, cinnamon flavored gum in favor of Nicorette's cinnamon flavored gum, so that the switch isn't overly noticeable.

• 3

  Write down how many daily cravings you have that spark chewing the Nicorette gum. Each day for one week, replace one craving for Nicorette with one stick of the regular gum. For week number two, replace two daily cravings with the regular gum.

• 4

  Repeat this method for several weeks, replacing a Nicorette craving with regular gum, until all you're chewing is the regular gum. Additionally, try chewing Nicorette's 2 milligram gum if you've been chewing the 4 milligram gum, to further reduce your dependency.