Jill McCain of Conshohocken, Penn., who quit after 13 years of smoking, took comfort in a chat room designed for ex-smokers. Online resources that offer smoking information and cessation programs, besides WebMD , include the American Cancer Society , the American Lung Association , and Nicotine Anonymous . The patch delivers a steady stream of nicotine automatically through the skin and into the blood. Easy to use, the patch is a popular choice for both men and women. Nicotine gum helps to alleviate cigarette cravings by releasing nicotine into the bloodstream when chewed.
Many women try both before settling on one.
McCain felt sick after just five minutes on the patch and switched to nicotine gum. The trouble with nicotine gum is that many people don't chew enough to quell their withdrawal symptoms, says Perkins. It didn't lessen my cravings at all. But don't abandon quitting altogether if a nicotine replacement therapy doesn't work for you. In other words, you're more likely to crave a cigarette if you get a whiff of smoke from your favorite brand or if you go out for drinks with friends who smoke.