Worries about cancer and side effects of secondhand smoke are causing many people to quit smoking. This addictive habit can be hard to kick and for millions, products to help you quit can prove very beneficial. Smoking cessation products come in several forms, including nicotine gums, patches, lozenges, and more. They can typically be found over the counter at drugstores. Prescription alternatives are available as well, like nasal sprays and inhalers.

How it Works
Smokers are addicted to the amount of nicotine in their bloodstream caused by smoking. Smoking cessation products claim to use ''nicotine replacement,'' providing small amounts of nicotine to the use, to slowly reduce levels of nicotine in the blood, either in 2 mg or 4 mg dosages. They also purportedly treat the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with quitting, like headaches, hunger, and nausea.

Some individuals share lack of success with cessation products. These smokers may have to try a few products or one product several times before they can quit successfully. Nicotine gum (nicotine polacrilex) is a replacement therapy that works through the mucous membrane of the mouth. It can be bought without a prescription and comes in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths.

Users are supposed to chew the gum (no more than 20 pieces a day) until it tastes peppery. Then, they are to hold it against their cheeks and repeat this process for about 20 to 30 minutes. It is important to note that acidic food or drink (like coffee) will lessen the effects of the gum, so they should be avoided 15 minutes before chewing. Other smoking cessation products like nicotine lozenges work in a similar way, providing nicotine orally by dissolving in the mouth.