$Unique_ID{BRK02456}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Why Is Nicotine Gum Better Than Smoking?}
$Subject{smoking chewing gum nicotine tobacco smoke cigarettes tar carbon
monoxide pulmonary disease lung habit substitute addiction community social
respiratory diseases lungs cigarette lifestyle lifestyles behavior behaviors
gums nicotines tobaccos smokes tars}
$Volume{Q-23,H-23}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf
Indirect Problems Caused By Smoking*0007302.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Why Is Nicotine Gum Better Than Smoking?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My smoking has become a cause of great concern, not only to myself,
but my family as well.  Now my doctor has advised the use of a gum that
contains nicotine, but that doesn't make sense to me.  If I am already
addicted to the nicotine in the tobacco smoke, won't I also be addicted to the
gum?  It doesn't seem that I will be gaining anything.  Can you please clear
up this situation for me?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  If the only benefit from giving up your cigarettes was withdrawal
from nicotine, your analysis of the situation would hold water, but that is
not the case.  There are many harmful agents included in tobacco smoke
including tar, carbon monoxide, and other irritants that may lead to pulmonary
(lung) disease.  Just avoiding these substances provides you with a real
health benefit.
     If past experience using nicotine chewing gum is any indication, than you
will probably discontinue its use some time within a year of starting the
therapy.  Only 7 percent to 10 percent of regular users who have stopped their
smoking habit continue using the gum past one year.  However there is a chance
of becoming dependent on the nicotine in the gum as a replacement to the
nicotine reliance you now have for cigarettes.  This would represent a
substitute addiction.  In that case, additional therapies might become
necessary, such as hypnosis, relaxation therapy or other behavioral
approaches.
     If however, you were one of the small percentage of people who could not
be weaned from the nicotine gum, you would, at least, be left with the lesser
of the two evils.  And that is acceptable in light of present knowledge about
nicotine gum.  I am sure your doctor will keep an eye out for future
information about this method of helping patients to rid themselves of their
smoking habits.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.