SOS: NICORETTE GUM! I AM SO BUMMED! NOT SO PROUD ANYMORE!

[brianjames]

You have everything to be proud of. The hardest thing to do is break the habit of smoking, once you get rid of that, then you can work on getting off the nicotine. Whatever it takes to not smoke, even if it means chewing nicotine. Although not great for you, the gum is so much better than a cigarette. I am about 2 1/2 weeks into my quit using nic gum also. It has worked well for me, anything but cigarettes. The day will soon come when I say goodbye to the gum. Yes nicotine is very addictive, but the habits and lifestyle you built around smoking is even harder to break. So great job!!

Brian

[SimplySimon]

YOU ARE DOING GREAT.

And don't kid yourself- the withdrawal pain you've felt is REAL. And you're getting it behind you. Nicotine absorbed from smoke microparticles in the lungs hits the bloodstream instantly, the brain in seconds. Smoking is like mainlining nicotine.

Nicotine absorbed through the membranes of the mouth is slower, a slow, steady hit that eventually gets your blood/nicotine level into the "non-suffering" category, but never has the hit, the rush, the feel of smoking.

To use a vulgar analogy- you've gone from shooting up to taking pills. And by going from the most immediate and addicting way to consume nicotine to a slower and less compelling way, you've taken a vital, and difficult step.

Be proud.

Take your time. Use the gum while you need it- at this point, you're still sort of transferring from one habit to another. Let the transfer happen, and then you'll be ready to step down.

But for now, chew as much gum as you need (within guidelines, obviously) to Keep Your Quit!

You can do this- You're doing great so far.

Best,
Simon