Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Many people use tobacco-cessation medications to help reduce withdrawal feelings and nicotine cravings. These medications can double your chances of quitting for good.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the most commonly used family of tobacco-cessation medications. NRT reduces withdrawal feelings by giving you a small, controlled amount of nicotine—but none of the other dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes or chew. This small amount of nicotine helps satisfy your craving for nicotine and reduces the urge to smoke or chew tobacco.
Doctors and other medical experts think NRT is the one of the most helpful tools people can use to quit. Some people have mild to moderate side effects. However, research shows that NRT is safe and effective. NRT can be an important part of almost every person's tobacco-quit strategy.
NRT comes in a variety of forms that are used in different ways. You can choose which forms you like best. Some NRT products work better than others for some people. Some people might prefer certain NRT products instead of others.
Types of NRT
| NRT Type | How to Get It | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Patch | Over the Counter | Place on the skin. The patch releases a small and steady amount of nicotine. |
| Gum | Over the Counter |
|
| Lozenge | Over the Counter | Place in the mouth like hard candy. The lozenge releases nicotine as it slowly dissolves in the mouth. |
| Inhaler | Prescription | Cartridge attached to a mouthpiece. When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the device gives you a specific amount of nicotine. |
| Nasal Spray | Prescription | Pump bottle containing nicotine. Put into nose and spray. |
Combining NRT with Other Strategies
NRT can't do all the work. It can help with withdrawal and cravings, but it won't completely take away the urge to smoke or use chew. Even if you use NRT to help you quit, quitting can still be hard. Combining NRT with other strategies can improve your chances of quitting and staying quit. To give yourself the best chance for success, explore other quit methods you can combine with medication. Also think about the following:
- Developing a quit plan—Having a plan can make quitting easier. Create a plan to help you stay focused, confident, and motivated to quit. This interactive tool can help you put a personalized plan together in a just a few minutes: Link opens in a new windowhttps://smokefree.gov/build-your-quit-plan.
- Using quit programs such as SmokefreeTXT—This is a free, automated service that will send supportive text messages right to your phone. Sign up online at Link opens in a new windowhttps://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/text-programs/quit-for-good/smokefreetxt, or text QUIT to 47848.
- Calling a quitline—If you want to talk to a counselor right away, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848).
- Using the QuitGuide app for tips and inspiration to help you be tobacco free—This is a free app (available for iOS and Android devices) that allows you to track cravings and slips by time of day and location, and has many other features to help you become smoke-free. Read more about it at Link opens in a new windowhttps://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/apps/quitguide.
U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Smokefree.gov. (n.d.). Using nicotine replacement therapy. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from https://smokefree.gov