Nicotine gum dependency: a positive addiction

Prolonged nicotine gum dependency may provide a therapeutic interlude for the compulsive or addictive patient during the transition from smoking to a tobacco-free state. We present a case report of an addicted man with asthma who successfully converted his tobacco dependency to the daily use of nicotine gum for four years. No adverse effects were seen. Nicotine gum has potential as substitution therapy for prolonged treatment in a highly addictive, compulsive patient.