[Margaret Pilkington]

Most people I know who have given up have tried the NHS cessation service, but have in the end managed to give by using the e cigs which they themselves have funded.
I never started smoking so I have never been in the situation of needing to give up....my husband stopped smoking by going cold turkey....this is now nearly 40 years ago.

When the cost of cessation therapy is balanced against the ongoing medical needs that smokers incur in the NHS.....the cessation therapy is a cheaper option....now what tools are used to provide effective cessation will vary according to the individual.....but this may prove a cheaper and more effective solution in the long term.
You yourself say that the nicotine gum is unpalatable...well anything unpalatable may have very limited success....making it a more expensive/less effective choice.