Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy gives your body a steady, lower dose of nicotine without the tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of other chemicals in cigarette smoke. By easing cravings and withdrawal, it lets you focus on breaking the habit itself.

The Forms of NRT

Patches

A once-a-day patch releases a steady dose of nicotine through your skin. Great for baseline craving control, especially for heavier smokers.

Gum and Lozenges

Fast-acting and used as needed for sudden cravings or triggers. Many people pair these with a patch.

Inhalers and Nasal Sprays

Available in some regions (often by prescription), these act quickly and mimic the hand-to-mouth routine some smokers miss.

Combination Therapy

Research suggests using a long-acting patch together with a short-acting gum or lozenge works better than either alone. The patch covers your baseline; the gum or lozenge handles spikes.

Getting the Most From NRT

• Use enough — under-dosing is a common reason NRT "doesn't work."
• Use it long enough; many people stop too soon.
• Follow the directions (e.g., "park" gum between cheek and gum rather than chewing constantly).
• Combine with support for the best odds.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the right strength and duration for you, especially if you have heart conditions, are pregnant, or take other medications.

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Keep Reading

• Nicotine Patches
• Stop-Smoking Medications
• Best Stop-Smoking Aids