Can't stop using nicotine replacement products

[pinkgin462]

I stopped smoking about 11 or 12 weeks ago with the aid of nicotine patches and nicotine gum/spray etc. I am very pleased I have done this and have improved my health massively. But the problem is I'm still addicted to nicotine. The first thing I do when I get up is put a new patch on and then have a coffee then have a piece of nicotine gum. I crave the gum and it helps me but I still have a general uncomfortableness in my body with these cravings. Need to stop using these nicotine products! I know I will never smoke again (and I was a very heavy smoker) should I just stop using the products tomorrow?? I'm worried how I'll manage. Even with the use of these nicotine products I still found stopping smoking one of the most difficult experiences of my life!! But need to stop using nicotine altogether. Stopping using it gradually doesn't seem to be working well as I still crave it. Has anyone been in this position or have any advice? Thanks

A colleague of mine quit smoking 5 years ago and still has nicotine tablets (like a mint?) every day... You aren't alone!

Slowly reduce they come in varying strengths

My Mum was on replacements for years ! But eventually she decreased them little by little.
It's very early days.. just be proud you have much cleaner lungs already!

..trying swapping out the nicotine gum with normal chewing gum first and see how that goes...

I was addicted to the Gum once - and managed to wean myself off this way - but it needs to be quite a "punchy" gum to make the difference...

Wrigleys used to do a sharp lemon one - which they discontinued so I am now addicted to the strawberry one instead.... In Europe they seem to have better sharper flavours - check out Ebay and see..

As you probably know - by now most of the gum/patches is just habit and you need to try and break this habit slowly.. or replace it with something else ??

Good Luck...

I was addicted to NRT for 5 years. I eventually switched from gum (terribly addictive in its own right) to the chalky low dose lozenges (they are like Rennie and not as nice as the gum). Ration yourself to a few per day and then gradually reduce the number per day. They can be broken in half too as you reduce. After 3 weeks you'll be off them if you persevere. Well done for stopping the cigs and good luck - you are nearly there!!

WELL DONE!

I think you could keep using the products for a while, no bother. But if you want to come off them, first switch to just patches, while keeping your overall level of nicotine the same. Just breaking the habit of putting something in your mouth will take a little while. When you find you've stopped automatically reaching for the gum, start to gradually reduce the strength of the patches. You can cut them in half, if that's helpful.

Exercise also helps reduce nicotine cravings.

Slowly reduce it, it's only been 12 weeks. You'll get there eventually. Well done for not reaching for the cigs though.

I also cut the patches in half. It only worked when I cut down really slowly!

Thanks everyone. I think I might try and find a strong chewing gum to substitute with at the shops tomorrow as really keen to stop the nicotine ASAP for many reasons (its still quite expensive, don't want to be addicted etc) and while I still have ended up with a bit of a nicotine gum habit I'm very proud and overjoyed I've finally stopped smoking, I tried to stop so many times before and it was so hard I didn't think I would ever be able to do it. And my worrying chronic cough has miraculously disappeared. I honestly think nicotine in all its forms should have been banned ages ago because it's so unbelievably addictive! Thanks for all the advice

You're not ready yet, it's too early.

Can you try and not use a patch and just use the high strength gum on its own for a bit. Then go to a lower strength when you stop thinking about it so much?

I quit with the spray and it was hard to stop the spray but I went on the sucky lozenges which I'm still on at 2mg, I quit quite a long time ago now (can't remember when now). But I'd rather still suck on something than smoke again.

Don't push too hard you'll feel a million times better the longer you're off them.