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1. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   23 Feb

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   Hi there . I have a strange problem because although I have quit smoking many years ago, I started vaping and then i started chewing nicotine gum to quit vaping ,but now I can't stop chewing nicotine gum.
   
   It's strange because you would think its just easy to quit chewing nicotine gum , and I read it's not addictive but I think I used it in an improper way. 
   
   So now for over a year I have been chewing nicotine gum and the package says not to use it longer than 6 months , so I am worried about possible side effects. Plus, it's very expensive to buy boxes of gum all the time.
   
   I have been struggling in silence about this for a while and I was hoping for some support and I don't know where to turn 
   
   I have quit for a week or two a few times but I start to crave the relaxation. I am dreading the thought of having to start a quit journey again. 
   
   I started chewing nicotine gum when I met a friend who smokes heavily , and I was having cravings while we were hanging out all the time. So I figured if I chew some gum that will get rid of the craving. He doesn't think it's a big deal because at least it's just nicotine gum and not cigarettes. 
   
   I know I can quit , and I want to but other times I don't want to quit. After a few days of not chewing I will have a craving when I am stressed and have withdrawal. It's hard to tell myself not to chew and think about something else. 
   
   It's bad for me to chew nicotine gum because it burns my throat and it's tingly,  it's bad for my teeth , my jaw hurts from chewing. It gives me a headache, makes me feel a little sick. 
   
   Maybe I am strange for this strange addiction. 
2. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   25 Feb

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   I have decided to set a quit date for Feb 28. And before that I am going to clean out my car and room areas. I'm going to have fresh fruit in my car to have instead. 
   
   
   
3. Val H

   

   164 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   25 Feb in reply to chartippybum

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   I don’t think it’s strange at all. Nicotine is still addictive. I am still trying to quit cigarettes but am going to use the gum. I downloaded the Nicorette app. It helps commit to goals and apparently cut back to quit the gum as well. I wish you success and don’t go too hard on yourself. This is your journey. Make it a journey you can be happy about. You’re worth it. 
4. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   26 Feb

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   Thank you Val H 
   
   Nicotine gum is very useful when quitting. It's just become a crutch for me now. So I am going to take it day by day to quit. I am going to look into downloading that app. Thank you it's a great idea. 
   
   Keep strong and keep posting, I hope you quit too . It can be hard but it's worth it. I am going to be patient with myself because I deserve it.
   
   
5. karen, quit coach

   

   43 posts
   Registered:
   09 Nov 2022
   27 Feb in reply to chartippybum

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   Hi chartippybum,
   
   Welcome to the community forum and thank you for sharing your story. It's very positive that you have reached out for support on how to quit the use of nicotine gum. This sounds very important to you. 
   
   It is not uncommon to struggle with weaning yourself off of nrt gum. Some tips to help you reduce use of nicotine gum may include gradually decreasing the total number of pieces you use per day. You might find it helpful to substitute regular, sugarless gum for a piece of nicotine gum, so you still get that chewing satisfaction without the nicotine. Try eliminating just one piece per day to start and have some healthy snacks, water, or dental picks handy as part of your strategy to address the oral craving/habit. You may also find that planning some distracting activities helpful in combatting cravings Keep yourself busy! Try to think of activities that keep your hands and/or mind busy. Visiting this forum is a wonderful distraction too! 
   
   As you mention, it is hard, but it can be done. And it really is worth it.
   
   Warm regards,
   Karen, Quit Coach
   
   
6. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   28 Feb

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   Thank you for your support  and it is very important for me to quit. Today is my quit date.
   It's important for me because it's better for my health
   And I will save money 
   I will feel more relaxed without the nicotine
   I want to detoxify my body
   I feel I will lose weight because my liver won't be processing all the toxins 
   I will be proud of myself and I will realize I can do anything and I am in control of my health 
   I won't have garbage chewed gum in piles in my car ( gross)
   I will feel secure enough in my coping skills to self sooth and deal with stress.
   I can deal with my problems head on , even if I can't solve them I can acknowledge them and not have a distraction 
   I can develope healthy distractions
   I can focus on myself and be myself without a crutch 
   I can feel real feelings and emotions
   Thank you all for your support . Sorry for the long list. I hope this inspires someone . Have a smoke free day 
7. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   28 Feb

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   Oh p.s 
   If I quit nicotine , nicotine free for 6 months, I can get weight loss surgery