Most smokers first turn to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help them stop smoking. They often try 4 or 5 times before successfully quitting. Using NRT makes sense because nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around, and the withdrawal symptoms can be discouraging. Research shows that there is no health consequences to taking pure nicotine, so NRT is definitely a better option than smoking. But most smokers fail using NRT giving it a horrible track record for success.

When I say NRT, I am referring to any type of product with nicotine in it. The list includes: Patches, gum, nasal inhalers, lozenges, and now those stupid looking smokeless cigarettes. Of this list, if you must use some type of NRT, I suggest the Nicorette gum or the Commit Lozenges because they act as a substitute for the oral habit. The smokeless cigarette or electronic cigarettes would suffice as well, if you don't mind looking like a tool.

The first reason people fail when using NRT is they do not get the dosage correct. Each cigarettes provides 1 mg of nicotine. So however much you are used to smoking you should replace with the same amount of nicotine from your NRT of choice. For example, if you smoke 1 pack a day, that is 20 cigarettes, you should get 20 mgs. of nicotine from your gum, patch, or whatever. You will have to check on the box to see how much each piece of gum or each lozenge contains to make sure you get enough nicotine, otherwise you will continue to crave nicotine and therefore cigarettes. Do not worry about tapering off nicotine right away. It is better to give yourself time to really start living smoke free.

The second reason people fail to quit using NRT is that you remain addicted to nicotine. The NRT just substitutes the source of your nicotine and your body will continue to crave the drug every 4 hours or so. And if you continue to crave nicotine you will by habit crave cigarettes. That is why, if at all possible, you should pick some product or method to help you stop smoking that does not contain nicotine.

Some people unfortunately really do need the nicotine. If you are suffering from any psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or something more serious, you should probably use NRT to help them quit smoking. It could be devastating for certain people with serious issues to stop smoking suddenly. There is a range. Some people can quit cold-turkey and some may never be able to quit. Luckily most people fall somewhere in the middle and can quit with just a little help.