Korean Job Discussion Forums

em · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

(I've searched this topic and didn't find anything.)

I'm looking to quit smoking but really want a quit smoking aid. I have this feeling I've seen nicotine gum around but now that I want it I can't seem to find it. Is the patch available here? If gum is available here, where can I find it?

Thanks!

Guest · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:33 am Post subject:

Both are widely available at a local pharmacy, no prescription needed. They are usually visible enough at the counters so you can grab them or point them out if they don't speak English, but a pharmacy is a place you'll have fair luck communicating.

Look for the larger sized pharmacies for a better selection

As with all pharmaceuticals, PLEASE read and follow the directions, or ASK ....

kimchikowboy · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Just a note on patches. In the US, there is a three-step process (for the heaviest of smokers) going from 21mg. of nicotine to 14 and then to 7 mg. In Korea, the strongest patches are 50 mg.and the weakest are 19 mg., so this might be a bit strong for you. Also, two weeks worth of patches is around $50 (cheapest) in the US. In Korea, one box (week) is 10,000 won.
Good luck. I did the quitting thing Jan. 1, and am still using patches. They really help (don't know about gum, though).

buddy bradley · Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: The Beyond

That's strange, considering how weak Korean cigarettes are.

By the way, I've given up all hope when it comes to quitting. Good luck to you.

steroidmaximus · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: GangWon-Do

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

I quit using the patch. I only used it 2 weeks. Becareful on the strength. I got the strong ones and they made me feel faint and sick and gave me the most vivid dreams and horrific nightmares of my life.
I quit those after 4 days and got the patch for 1 pack-a-day smokers. Good luck. I've been clean for almost 2 years (smoked for about 15 years).
Watch your food intake and you may need some sleeping pills...I had a hard time sleeping for over a month. Also, there are a lot of quit smoking support websites. I spent hours reading people's stories and information on cigarettes. Knowing exactly what's in them and why you're addicted is very helpful in overcoming it. Just knowing that they contain amonia and arsenic was comforting.

A not so safe alternative is chewing tobacco which you can find in Itaewon. You can use that for a week to get you started then go to the patch.

Looking back on quitting.: It was very hard, but not nearly as hard as I expected. I just can't understad why people will smoke until they get cancer instead of suffering through withdrawal for a month and quitting. I expected it must be near impossible.

Zark · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:24 pm Post subject:

I LOVE the patch! It got me off the evil cigs about twelve years ago. My problem with them - is I think they are too weak. I often was wearing two at a time - BUT, they did the job d*amn it!

The gum? Heaven on earth. Nothing like chewing one really fast and getting that big nico buzz.

Bye, I'm off to the pharmacy!

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They day they say smokes are good for you - I'm back on a 2-3 pack a day habit. Done deal.