I figured it might be a little fun to list the top ten slogans I found over the internet about anti-smoking. These are fun to use on a smoker, to convince yourself to quit, or to simply just enjoy. In no particular order, here we go:

1. Tobacco: the day- and night-time, cancer causing, throat clogging pollutant drug, to help you look uglier the next morning… medicine
2. I don’t mind you smoking, if you don’t mind me farting up your nose
3. A kitten dies every time you light up
4. Be smart, don’t start
5. The marlboro man died of cancer
6. Too much smoke will leave you broke
7. Cough twice for Philip Morris
8. If you can’t stop smoking, cancer will
9. Put it out before it puts you out
10. Smokers don’t get to smoke, they have to smoke

Nicotine Gum is very similar to the nicotine patch, in the sense that it aids the smoker quit by supplying him/her with the nicotine they are addicted to. The nicotine is absorbed through the tissues in the mouth, and into the bloodstream, satisfying the smoker with nicotine while preventing them from smoking all the toxins in a cigarette.

Each cigarette contains around 1mg of nicotine, and nicotine gum usually contains between 2mg-4mg of nicotine (the equivalency of 2-4 cigarettes). Before the late 1990s, nicotine gum was only available through a prescription, now you can buy it over the counter at almost every pharmacy in North America and Europe.

There is a method to using the gum which will increase its potential. First, you should only chew the gum whenever you are absolutely craving a cigarette. You chew the gum until you notice a “peppery tingle”, and that is when you press the gum between your cheeks and gums. This is to allow the nicotine to enter your bloodstream through the tissues in your gums and cheeks, rather than your tongue (it is a lot more difficult for the nicotine to travel through your tongue to your bloodstream, than your cheeks/gums to your bloodstream). When the “peppery tingle” stops, you must start chewing again to get it back. Once it is back, once again you press it against your cheeks and gums but this time in a different area of your mouth. You repeat this method until there is no more “peppery tingle” senstation (usually about 25-40 minutes after you begin chewing), and this means that there is no more nicotine left in the gum.

While using this method, you are still addicted to nicotine and in the end, your will power is still what will make you overcome your addiction. There is a potential to becoming addicted to the gum itself because the gum does not eliminate your nicotine addiction. With proper doses of the gum, and some will power, you should be able to overcome your addiction.

**NOTE: These are general guidelines on how to use the nicotine gum. KickSmokingASAP.com is not responsible for any mishaps that may occur by using the nicotine gum. Make sure you consult a doctor before using the gum.

The first step to quit smoking is WANTING to quit. Millions of people start smoking every year, but millions of people also quit. If they can quit smoking, so can you! You may find yourself in the position where you want to quit but can’t pinpoint a specific reason to, or you have attempted to quit but find yourself caving every now and then.

So, for you, I have compiled a list of my 10 favorite tips to stop smoking!

1. Nicotine alternatives (the patch, gum, etc.)
2. Avoid situations where you would have smoked (eg. partying, drinking) and find alternatives
3. Chew whenever you feel like smoking. This may have its side effects (eg. weight gain) but is an effective method to quit smoking
4. Let everyone who knows you smoke that you quit. Tell them to never let you smoke, no matter what.
5. Smoke herbal cigarettes instead of regular cigarettes. Eventually stop smoking herbal cigarettes as well.
6. If most of your friends are smokers, either a) do not go out for smoke-breaks with them, b) avoid hanging out with them
7. Physical activity! Whenever you want to smoke, hit the gym or play sports. I find that picking up a sport or joining a gym is a VERY effective way to quit smoking. You will find something to do other than smoke, plus you will feel like if you keep smoking you are ruining all the progress you gain through exercise.
8. Hypnotherapy
9. Smoking support groups (it really helps!)
10. WILL POWER! This is the MOST effective method.

These are some of the best methods I have found to quit smoking. Obviously, the effectiveness of the methods depend on the individual, but I hope that these will give you an idea of how to quit and to stay smoke-free.

Feel free to post some of your favorite methods in the comments!