If Nicotine Is as Addictive as They Say… Then Where Are All the Nicotine Patch and Gum Addicts?

Question by Frisky: If nicotine is as addictive as they say… Then where are all the nicotine patch and gum addicts?
I’ve been thinking about quitting smoking… Through my research into treatment options a few questions have come to mind. Especially with regards to nicotine replacement treatments.

I find it odd that if nicotine is more addictive than both heroine and cocaine, that there aren’t as many nicotine patch and gum addicts as there are smokers… It’s the same drug in both… is it not? Also, isn’t the dosage higher in the gum and patches?

It makes me wonder if the habit forming act of smoking itself is the more “addictive” element involved in the behavior… Making it more of a compulsion than a chemical dependence. More like a baby with a soother than a kid with a sweet tooth… if that makes any sense?

In that case wouldn’t prescribing chemical treatments like nicotine replacement to someone with a habit be sort of redundant — and perhaps not very effective?

I’m also wondering if someone can quantify the claims of doubling your chances of quitting… Now, as I know from experience, and from what understand about quitting, is that it takes the average smoker like 10 times to finally quit… Now if that makes the odds of quitting something along the lines 1 in 10… then wouldn’t doubling your chances simply elevate those odds to 2 in 10? That doesn’t sound effective to me at all…

There must be a better answer…

Thanks!
G.

Best answer:

Answer by Binka
The doses are not higher in the gum and patch. I know quite a few gum addicts but very few patch addicts. This is because of they way your getting the nicotine. Smoking gets into your system quicker and gives you that feeling quicker. The gum is less quick but still pretty potent. The patch you barely get any nicotine. My mother was a smoker. That whole 10 times thing is bull. If you have enough determination you can quit. She quit on her first try and cold turkey too. It was very uncomfortable for her for the first month but after that she never wanted another cigarette again. If I was an addict I’d do the same.

Answer by cowboydoc
Oh yee of little faith ! you seem to be able to argue everything in your favor so you can say there is no reason to quit smoking. And, my friend your figures do not match up. In the first place I smoked for 47 years, I was told you have a heart disease so, I quit. I just tossed out the pack I had and the lighter I had for many years and never lit up again, there goes one of your theories of ten to one.
Smoking is the number one killer of people in the U.S. so you’d think that would make enough sense to you to stop. So what of nicotine patches, I’ve never seen one, don’t use one. I figured I’m Intelligent enough to say “no”

So, that’s my answer to you, just quit.

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