Nicotine Replacement Therapy

What is nicotine and what does it do?

Nicotine is found naturally in tobacco and in the smoke from burning it. When you smoke, it is absorbed into your body through your lungs. Nicotine is highly addictive and its absence can cause withdrawal symptoms in regular users.

How do I know if I am addicted to nicotine?

It is likely that you are addicted to nicotine if you:

  • need to smoke soon after you wake up, or in the middle of the night
  • feel on edge, have cravings to smoke or find it hard to concentrate when you haven't had a cigarette for a while
  • are used to smoking 20 cigarettes a day or more.

If you feel you are addicted to nicotine and you want to give up smoking, nicotine replacement therapy, also known as NRT, can help.

What is NRT?

NRT comes in the form of patches, chewing gum, tablets or inhalers. It is available to purchase from pharmacies (pharmacists can also help with quit attempts) and on prescription.

What does NRT do?

Nicotine Replacement Therapy gives you a regular, low dose of the nicotine that your body is missing so that you don't feel the same need to smoke. For example the nicotine from the nicotine patch is absorbed slowly through the skin. This helps to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms you experience when you stop smoking. If your body has become dependent on nicotine, then using nicotine replacement therapy can double your chances of success in quitting smoking. NRT is normally used for up to three months, and then you cut down the dose over a period of time. This means you can gradually adjust to life without smoking.

Is nicotine replacement therapy safe?

NRT is safe when used according to the instructions. Some people have minor reactions against some forms of NRT (like a skin rash or mouth irritation). Another type may suit them better. Other symptoms (like headaches, coughing or a bad complexion) can be the result of your body getting rid of tobacco poisons. Seek medical advice if you are concerned.

If you suffer from a medical condition like heart disease, diabetes or stomach ulcers, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about whether to use NRT and what type to choose.

If you carry on smoking while you are using NRT, you will get a double dose of nicotine. This is not likely to be dangerous, but it won't help you to quit smoking.

Always read the instructions on the pack.

Is nicotine replacement therapy just replacing one addiction with another?

NRT has only limited potential for addiction compared to smoking. It delivers nicotine to the body more slowly, and peak levels in the bloodstream are much lower. If, when using NRT, you feel you are developing a dependency on it, speak to a medical professional.

Finally....

NRT is only one way of helping you to stop smoking. It is not a magic cure and requires you to be committed and determined to stop smoking.

Comprehensive information about nicotine is available from the Royal College of Physicians' report, Nicotine Addiction in Britain

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