Nicorette Nicotine Gum Full Strength

WHY do I smoke? Because I am stressed. And I believe smoking helps in some vague way. My stress level goes up, I have a cigarette. I rarely enjoy smoking. But I do feel slightly relieved afterwards.

I understand little about the chemistry involved... Scientists reckon nicotine in your blood does something I know-not-what. Scientists reckon if smokers get nicotine in a safer way... they can stop smoking...

I've tried nicotine gum. I vowed when I woke up on the appointed, dreaded day, I would not light a cigarette ever again- theory being the nicotine in the blood is at its lowest after not smoking for about 8 hours whilst one sleeps. To help this suceed, in the weeks leading up to this dreaded day, I reduced my intake by timing my cigarettes- only one cigarette an hour, only one every 2 hours etc, and forcing myself to stick to this rigidly. (This system may be good for reducing levels of nicotine... but it means you clock-watch and can't stop thinking about needing a smoke).

I gave up smoking for a week (5 working days actually). I was over-joyed! Friday night came, I left the office and in the dark rushed to get the bus home. It was a cold night. 30 minutes later, the bus turned off the usual route and disappeared into an industrial estate! It didn't stop for miles!! Where are we going I asked. Then I realised I was on the wrong bus. I nearly killed the bus driver! You've got the wrong bXXXXy number on the front of your bus, I screamed. How can you do that? You stupid XXXXXX!! I have never felt such blind rage and hatred. When I arrived at the nearest bus-stop to catch the right bus, I saw a newsagents opposite. I dived in and came out smoking... yeh, still fuming with my lot in life...

The gum reacts strangely when you are naughty enough to slip a quick smoke in. The taste in your mouth is really revolting. A sort of punishment. You can't eat the gum and smoke ciggies too. Pity. I needed as much nicotine as I could get to calm me down.

Another problem too- some alcoholic drinks can make your mouth taste foul after you have chewed the gum. The taste is a bit like how you would expect stale socks to taste. A very strange effect- perhaps they should make gum aimed at helping alcoholics?

The main point here is yes, I almost have the willpower and the desire to suceed, but how do I cope with my stress levels, AND the loss of the nervous habits I have- such as ducking out of conversations I feel at a loss to deal with by sinking my attention into finding and lighting a cigarette? Chewing occupies my mouth, not my hands.

I cannot comment on the price as I tried this stuff years ago. It didn't cost a lot then. I am appalled at the cost mentioned in other opinions.