Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Can You Become Addicted To Nicotine Gum

Recovering From Nicotine Addiction

“I am afraid I might get addicted to my nicotine replacement therapy”

Recovery from this addiction involves learning how to deal with life’s ups and downs nicotine-free. If you remain dependent on nicotine, regardless of the form it comes in, you run an increased risk of a smoking relapse. Additionally, as is the case with habit-forming drugs, your tolerance for nicotine will increase over time and so will your intake.

When the right situation presents itself, you may find it’s a short jump to lighting up when a piece of nicotine gum isn’t handy or just doesn’t do the trick in taking the edge off. Stressful situations will continue to trigger the urge for nicotine until you clear it out of your system and learn new ways of coping.

Don’t let the unhelpful thinking that comes with nicotine withdrawal convince you to keep using. If you managed to stop smoking, you can go one step further and eliminate your dependence on therapeutic nicotine as well.

You Can Apply A Similar Taper Down Strategy You Used To Get Off Tobacco And Nicotine Gum/lozenges To Quit Other Substances

Maybe you replaced the nicotine lozenge with something unhealthy so now you have to deal with that. If you went from your smoking addiction to an addiction to the nicotine gum, and then replaced the gum with something else, there is a silver lining. The positive side is that you have new skills youve learned. You now have some tools in your toolbox that will help you move forward to get whatever that thing is out of your life.

For example, lets say you formed a reliance on Skittles. Since you quit the nicotine lozenges youre now eating bags of Skittles all day long. From the time your feet hit the floor in the morning to the time you go to bed at night you have Skittles tucked away in your cheek. Youre not smoking cigarettes or chewing nicotine gum anymore, but youre now buying large boxes of Skittles at Costco.

First step: Get out your calendar and set your sight on a Skittles Quit Date. Leading up to that target Quit Date, apply similar taper down techniques to get off the Skittles. In regards to tapering off the Skittles you have options. You can cut down one bag or individual Skittle at a time, or you can try eliminating certain colors first.

If you go the colors route, theres five colors in a bag of Skittles that youll have to work through one at a time. You can stop eating the delicious red ones first. After a few days stop eating the purple ones, and then onto the green ones after that.

How You Can Help

Next, its important to have a conversation with your teen about vaping and it should be a conversation, not a lecture. Here are some suggestions on how to approach the subject:

  • Find a natural conversation starter. Maybe its an ad for e-cigarettes, or you notice someone vaping. Ask your teen questions about vaping, and whether a lot of kids at their school are trying it.
  • Explain that most e-cigarettes do contain nicotine. Some teens believe, because of marketing messages, that e-cigarettes contain only water and flavoring. Research proves otherwise.
  • Point out the dangers of vaping without judgment. Send them a link to the science that shows vaping exposes users to harmful chemicals and increases their risk of addiction.
  • Have them calculate the monthly cost of vaping: It can range from $50-$120.
  • Keep the conversation going. This isnt a one-and-done topic. Discuss vaping often and calmly. And if you need additional support, consider asking a health care professional to talk to your teen about the risks of e-cigarettes.
  • The truth is, you cant force your teen to quit vaping. But your influence can make a difference. Mr. Bynum says his mom played a big part in getting him to attend the nicotine cessation program at UT Southwestern. She was worried for me, he says.

    âThe U.S. Surgeon General notes that addiction is especially risky for teens and young adults, because the brain is more vulnerable to addiction while its still developing, through about age 25.â

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    How Does Nicotine Replacement Therapy Work

    As you probably know,cigarettes are highly addictive. Its because they contain a chemical called nicotine. When you puff on a cigarette, it takes just seconds for nicotine to go from the lungs to the brain.

    If you have smoked for a while, your brain is filled with specific receptors that eagerly await incoming nicotine. Think of nicotine as a key, and receptors as little locks. When the nicotine unlocks the receptor, a feel-good chemical called dopamine is released, giving you a little hit or buzz. This doesnt last long.The nicotine soon fades making the receptor eager for more. Cue a cigarette craving!

    NRT provides you with nicotine, which locks on to these receptors, lessening cravings and feelings of withdrawal.

    Faster-acting types of NRT, which include the mouth spray, gum, lozenges,and inhalator, gives you nicotine more quickly than nicotine patches. They can help you get past short, strong cravings, and can even be used in anticipation of a craving. Although the faster-acting types of NRT work quickly its important to remember they wont give you a nicotine hit as fast as cigarettes do.

    Nicotine patches provide a slower, steady level of nicotine over a longer period of time.

    Many people who smoke will need what’s called combination nicotine replacement therapy: patches PLUS a faster-acting typeof NRT . That way you have a steadylevel of nicotine for the day PLUS a bit extra at times when you would normallysmoke.

    Nicotine Gum And Hair Loss

    Ex

    This side effect has started giving anxiety attacks to ladies all over the world.

    My hair was gorgeous and thick before, even when I was smoking, yet ever since I have started chewing nicotine, my hair fall has increased ten times than the usual. I am anxious that I will go bald if I dont stop using the gum. Can anyone suggest me some better alternatives than nicotine gums. says a 31-year-old model in a TV interview.

    Nic gum is an effective Nicotine Replacement Therapy, but it is not meant to be a long-term solution. It is best to try to wean off of nicotine so as to stop using the gum after 12 weeks from your quit day.

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    Can You Get Addicted To Nicorette

  • How many cigarettes is 4mg of nicotine?
  • Since nicotine has the potential to be addictive, there is a possibility that non-users of tobacco may become addicted to NRT products. There is to our knowledge, however, no published case of addiction to NRT products in never smokers or in never users of tobacco.

    Myth: Nicotine Replacement Products Are As Addictive As Smoking

    THE FACTS: Most people using NRT products do not become dependent on them. In fact, one of the biggest problems with NRT is that people don’t use enough of it for long enough. It is important to use your nicotine replacement for as long as you need to stop you going back to smoking.

    Most ex-smokers are able to effectively wean themselves off NRT after the recommended 12-week course. However, for those that continue to use NRT long-term, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence says that ongoing use of nicotine containing products will be considerably less harmful than smoking.

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    Is Nicotine Use Really That Harmful What Health Harms Are Caused By Nicotine Use

    Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature death. Tobacco is thought to contain at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals. One out of every three cancer deaths is caused by smoking. Smoking is harmful to almost every organ in your body. Smoking causes lung disease, cardiovascular diseases , diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, immune system weakness, erectile dysfunction, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, impairs fertility and many other health harms. Smoking during pregnancy deprives the baby of oxygen, slows fetal growth, causes withdrawal symptoms in fetuses and learning/behavioral problems in children.

    Addicted To Nicotine Gum And How To Quit

    Break Nicotine Gum Addiction

    How to quit nicotine gum?

    First, you ought to devise a practical nicotine gum cessation strategy. The following are a few easy steps you should take to relieve your addiction.

    If you usually use nicotine gum at particular times of the day, such as in the morning, after a meal, before bed, etc., pick the one you can more quickly let go of.

    Start by getting rid of one piece if you are eating two to three pieces of nicotine gum a day. Then eventually reduce the volume until you do not chew anymore.

    Alternatively, choose another sugar-free slice of gum or a cookie instead. You can even create another distracting experience if you need to instead of using nicotine gum.

    Repeat the procedure with the second slice of nicotine gum and then a third so you can give up entirely until you know the latest routine you have already set up is all correct.

    It does not matter how long you need to get rid of it as long as you are determined and at ease. Please always bear in mind your priorities.

    Read more

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    The Cycle Of The Smoking Habit

    The cycle of the smoking habit and nicotine addiction is one that many find hard to quit. Thankfully, there are safer options to get your fix, like vaping. The more you smoke, the more your body needs to sustain those pleasurable feelings. Over time, you will develop a smoking routine that integrates with social activities, work schedules, and other triggers.

    For instance, as soon as the phone rings, you may grab a cup of coffee and light-up as a source of habit. You probably arent even aware that youre doing these things because they become second nature.

    Triggers are another significant part of nicotine addiction. Do you notice that when you are stressed out, you reach for your cigarettes to calm you down? If the problems of the day are grating on your nerves, you may find solace in a couple of cigarettes in the great outdoors.

    The cycle of smoking means that if you want to keep feeling the pleasure that calms you down, you need to keep smoking. Once you break that cycle, your body goes through withdrawal.

    Will Smoking Or Using Tobacco Products Containing Nicotine Hurt My Baby

    Nicotine can cross the placenta when a pregnant person uses tobacco products. This can negatively impact the baby, including, but not limited to: premature labor low birth weight respiratory failure at birth and even sudden infant death syndrome .3, 8, 9, 10

    People who use tobacco products can experience negative health effects on their reproductive health, their pregnancies, and their babies. If you use tobacco products and are considering having a child, consult your doctor and learn more about how you can quit smoking.

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    Causes Of Nicotine Addiction

    Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products causes nicotine addiction. Nicotine is very addictive, so even infrequent use can lead to dependence.

    Its possible for smoking cessation products, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, to cause nicotine addiction. However, the risk is low. This is because the amount of nicotine in these products is lower and delivered more slowly than the nicotine in tobacco.

    Do You Smoke To Relieve Unpleasant Feelings

    Pin on Health

    Many of us smoke to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. When you have a bad day, it can seem like cigarettes are your only friend. As much comfort as cigarettes provide, though, its important to remember that there are healthier and more effective ways to keep unpleasant feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, relaxation strategies, or simple breathing exercises.

    For many people, an important aspect of giving up smoking is to find alternate ways to handle these difficult feelings without turning to cigarettes. Even when cigarettes are no longer a part of your life, the painful and unpleasant feelings that may have prompted you to smoke in the past will still remain. So its worth spending some time thinking about the different ways you intend to deal with stressful situations and the daily irritations that would normally have you lighting up.

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    How Easy Is It To Get Addicted To Vaping

    Nicotine Addiction

    Nicotine is very addictive. The more you vape, the more your brain and body get used to having nicotine, and the harder it is to go without it. When you go without vaping, the nicotine level in your bloodstream drops, which may cause unpleasant feelings, physical symptoms, and strong urges to vape.

    This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

    Trading One Addiction For Another

    Nicotine gum and nicotine lozengescan be useful tools when you are trying to beat a smoking addiction. However, for a growing number of ex-smokers, there is a risk of trading one addiction for another. The number of smokers who start using these products to quit cigarettes and then find themselves trapped in a new addiction is unknown, but it may be substantial.

    Many packages say you should not use nicotine gum or lozenges for more than three months. The trouble is, once you are hooked, you are hooked. I know people who have been using these products for years and are as dependent on them as they were on cigarettes. I find it interesting that no formal studies have been done on the effects of long-term use of these products, and yet nicotine gum and lozenges are readily available over the counter in your local drugstore or supermarket. I also personally know people who have used them for yearsmany yearsand have experienced stomach problems, high blood pressure, borderline glaucoma, and hair loss among other things. All of these problems disappear when they finally stop using the nicotine-replacement products.

    In addition, there is growing evidence of a relationship between long-term use of nicotine gum and mouth and throat cancer. I think some real medical studies are definitely in order.

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    What Are Warnings And Precautions For Nicotine Gum

    Warnings

    • This medication contains nicotine gum. Do not take Nicorette Gum if you are allergic to nicotine gum or any ingredients contained in this drug.
    • Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

    Contraindications

    • Vasospastic disease .
    • Extensively metabolized in the liver hepatic impairment may decrease clearance.
    • Poisoning/fatality may occur in children if inhaled, ingested, or buccally absorbed.
    • Continuously chewing gum increases nicotine release leading to increased adverse effects .
    • Stop use if oral blistering occurs.
    • Use caution in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.
    • Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur, such as difficulty breathing or rash.

    Pregnancy and Lactation

    Is The Nicotine In Tobacco The Only Reason Why People Become Addicted To Tobacco Products

    How to use nicotine replacement chewing gum to quit smoking

    Nicotine is an addictive chemical. It can be as addictive as other drugs including alcohol and cocaine. Although nicotine is the main addictive substance in tobacco products, its not the only one. Acetaldehyde is another chemical that reinforces nicotine dependence. Having chemicals in your body that affect your brain chemistry and cause addiction is only one part of the addiction puzzle. Other factors play a role in why some people become addicted to tobacco. These include:

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    I Gave Up Smoking Ten Years Ago

    Gum disease? Claudia Joseph is worried about the possible side effects from her addiction

    My name is Claudia and I am an addict. For ten years I have been addicted to Nicorette – a nicotine chewing gum – and I am desperate to give up. How I rue the day I ever started smoking. It has cost me a small fortune and undoubtedly damaged my health.

    Chloe Madeley, daughter of TV husband-and-wife team Richard and Judy, revealed last week in this newspaper how she had given up smoking with the aid of an Inhalator, a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy , shaped liked a cigarette, through which the quitter can inhale nicotine vapour.

    I am glad that has worked so well for her, but for me NRT has been something of a mixed blessing.

    It was shortly before my 21st birthday that I had my first cigarette. In those early days I was not hooked. It was only when I began dating a rower, who threw my cigarettes on the bonfire, that I became a smoker. Who was he to tell me what to do?

    My love affair with the weed was much stronger than my relationship with him. He disappeared. The cigarettes remained.

    Sixteen years later, I went out with someone who had given up smoking by chewing Nicorette. He badgered me to follow suit, telling me how easy it was.

    How right he was. But he had underestimated how desperately I was addicted to nicotine. I have now been chewing Nicorette gum for more than ten years.

    Mixed blessing: Nicotine chewing gum can itself become addictive

    Does Nicotine Gum Affect Circulation

    Nicotine is associated with several cardiovascular disorders however, it is difficult to tell how many are caused by nicotine versus how many are caused by other substances found in cigarettes. However, high blood pressure constricted blood vessels, and an irregular heartbeat is a sign of circulatory problems.

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