The first week sets the tone: cravings spike at wake‑up, coffee breaks, and commutes. Stop smoking gum works when strength, timing, and “chew and park” fit your day. Small errors block nicotine delivery and trigger side effects you can avoid. This guide covers eleven common mistakes and the simple fixes that improve results: when to use a piece, how to pace chewing, how to step down, and how to store gum so it stays effective. You also get a one‑minute craving routine you can run anywhere. At Direct Care, you find gum and related NRT options to support a plan you repeat daily.

1. Chewing like regular gum

• Chew slowly until you feel a peppery tingle, then park the gum between your cheek and gum for 1–2 minutes.
• Repeat chew‑and‑park cycles for 20–30 minutes, then discard the piece.
• Switch cheeks each cycle to spread absorption and reduce irritation.
• Do not chomp continuously; fast chewing floods saliva and lowers absorption.
• Safety: Do not swallow nicotine saliva; sip water first, and if nausea persists, spit discreetly.

2. Choosing the wrong strength

• Use 2 mg for light dependence; use 4 mg if cravings start within 30 minutes of waking.
• Start higher if morning cravings are strong; reassess after 7 days of use.
• Step down after 7–14 days with craving scores ≤3/10 and no spikes.
• Do not mix strengths randomly; plan your week and record responses.
• Safety: If hiccups or nausea recur, slow pacing or drop strength within label guidance.

3. Eating or drinking too close 

• Avoid acidic drinks (coffee, tea, cola, juice) 15 minutes before and during chewing.
• Rinse with water before you start, to improve absorption and reduce mouth dryness.
• Do not snack while chewing; keep the mouth clear for parking and absorption.
• If you sipped coffee, wait 15 minutes before the next piece.
• Safety: Water is fine during parking; avoid alcohol during use to prevent irritation.

4. Chewing too fast or too short

• Aim for 20–30 minutes per piece with steady chew‑and‑park cycles.
• If throat burn or hiccups start, slow the chew and extend parking to 2 minutes.
• Use tingle as the guide: chew to trigger, park to absorb, then repeat.
• Set a 20‑minute timer in week one to build consistent pacing.
• Safety: Discard half‑used pieces; partial dosing confuses totals and raises side‑effect risk.

5. Using too few pieces

• In week one, plan 1 piece every 1–2 hours within the label maximum.
• Add a piece at wake‑up and after meals to blunt early spikes.
• Keep a day kit at work, in your car, and at home to avoid gaps.
• Increase frequency if cravings build, staying within daily limits.
• Safety: Track pieces in a notes app to prevent under‑ or over‑use.

6. Doubling up or overusing

• Never chew two pieces at once; spread exposure evenly across the day.
• Respect the daily maximum on the pack; tally as you go.
• If dizziness or nausea appears, pause use and sip water; resume later at a slower pace.
• Lower strength or extend spacing if side effects repeat.
• Safety: Consider adding a patch plus fewer gum pieces after pharmacist advice.

7. Skipping a quit plan

• Set a quit day, list triggers, and map a piece to each trigger window.
• Run a 60‑second craving routine: pause 10s → water → 10 breaths → chew/park → 30s walk.
• Review mornings and log nights to capture what worked.
• Share the plan with one supporter and schedule check‑ins.
• Safety: If using multiple NRTs, ask a pharmacist to confirm safe combinations.

8. Stepping down badly

• Hold your starting schedule for 7–14 stable days before reducing.
• Step down by one piece/day every 3–7 days; keep levels steady between changes.
• If cravings surge, return to the last stable level for 7 days.
• End with situational pieces only (driving, breaks), then stop fully.
• Safety: Do not rush reductions after stressful days; stabilise first to prevent relapse.

9. Ignoring mouth issues

• If you have dentures or jaw pain, chew gently and extend parking to reduce strain.
• Rotate parking sites to limit soreness and ulcers.
• Use alcohol‑free mouthwash and sip water to reduce dryness.
• If ulcers persist, switch to a different NRT form after professional advice.
• Safety: Ask a pharmacist if dental work changes fit or cause discomfort.

10. Storing gum poorly

• Store gum cool and dry; avoid car heat and bathroom humidity.
• Keep blisters sealed until use; air exposure dries pieces and reduces release.
• Check expiry dates monthly and rotate older packs to the front.
• Carry a daily strip; keep bulk stock at home to protect quality.
• Safety: Keep out of reach of children and pets; wrap used pieces and bin immediately.

11. Relying on gum without habit change

• Pair gum with a short, repeatable routine for triggers (water, breath, chew, walk).
• Remove cues: lighters, ashtrays, and smoking prompts in bags and cars.
• Stack gum with anchors: after breakfast, at break times, before commutes.
• Track wins: hours smoke‑free, money saved, CO‑breath test apps if you use them.
• Safety: If mood changes or intense withdrawal persist, seek support promptly.

Shop Stop Smoking Support

Choose stop smoking gum in the strength that fits your first‑hour cravings, then set a steady chew‑and‑park routine you repeat each day. Compare 2 mg and 4 mg options, flavours, and pack sizes, and check directions on spacing, timing with drinks, and step‑down rules. Add a small case for daily pieces and a water bottle to support timing. Review delivery options at checkout. For help choosing strength or a complementary format, contact customer support. Start today with a simple plan and track cravings to see progress each week