A healthy lad in his thirties died from it in my home town a few years back and he's not the only one. You'd better check it out REAL careful. Re the gum, it can cause various problems, like polyps in the mouth and throat. The patch is the best among nicotine replacements, but it has no better success rate than cold turkey.

The best way is to study up on all the info you can, form a plan and take week off from all stress while you go cold turkey. I know, it's pretty hard, if not impossible, to take a leave of abscence from job, family, etc., but, it is the best way. Either that or tell them why you can't talk for a week.