About Nicotine Chewing Gum
Nicotine chewing gum is a product with a brief history. It has only existed since the early 1990's. Yet, in that time, there has been a huge amount of debate and controversy regarding the efficacy, safety and general merits of such gum. While there are certain risks associated with nicotine chewing gum, there are also many potential benefits for those who use it properly.
Identification
Nicotine chewing gum is the term that is used to describe any chewing gum product to which nicotine has been added for any reason. In most instances the amount of nicotine is fairly low, but some brands contain up to 4 mg of nicotine per serving of gum. Nicotine is, of course, one of the many hazardous and addictive chemicals that are found within tobacco.
Function
Nicotine chewing gum is intended for use as a tool to help tobacco users overcome their addiction to nicotine. In order to do so the user chews the nicotine gum to release the nicotine within it and then presses the gum between the cheek and gums. This allows the nicotine to enter the bloodstream of the user. The nicotine helps to ease the user's craving for their tobacco product of choice. The hope is that by gradually lowering the amount of gum that is used, over time, the individual may cease their cravings altogether and eventually feel no need for nicotine at all.
Geography
The legality surrounding nicotine chewing gum varies extensively from one area to another. Different countries, states and even counties may have their own unique rules regulating the sale of nicotine chewing gum. In many areas it is sold over the counter but its sale to minors is usually closely regulated. In some places, however, a prescription from a medical doctor is required to purchase nicotine replacement product of any kind, including nicotine chewing gum.
Time Frame
The amount of time that a person uses nicotine chewing gum is highly variable. Those who use it to replace tobacco products may actually end up using the gum regularly for an indefinite period of time. For such people the gum is not really a tobacco cessation tool, but more of a "safe" replacement for tobacco products. Others, of course, simply use nicotine chewing gum as a stepping stone on their way to ridding themselves of nicotine addiction for good. People who fall into this latter category may use nicotine chewing gum for as little as a few days, or for years, just depending on their own approach and success with the quitting process.
Considerations
Unfortunately, nicotine use of any variety does carry with it certain risks. Nicotine chewing gum may have adverse effects on the oral health of those using it and can be extremely addictive. Many tobacco users who attempt to quit using nicotine gum may simply end up addicted to the gum. Besides this, there is the fact that the gum can be extremely expensive. Often times the gum is much more expensive than the tobacco products it is replacing. For some who are addicted to nicotine, though, nicotine replacement aids like nicotine chewing gum may be the only viable tool to help in the fight against addiction.
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