I went with a piece of ordinary gum every second time I would have used NRT gum, then every third until I realised that I was simply prolonging the issue so I took a deep breath ( I could by then) and went to just ordinary gum. I still ( just had my 4th no smoking anniversary) don't like to be without ordinary gum but it's a way better alternative so I live with that.

I came to realise that the craving, though unpleasant wouldn't kill me and would pass.