One of the most popular means of quitting smoking is by using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT's). This is a broad category that covers patches, lozenges, gum and other means of introducing nicotine into the body without the use of tobacco products.

Nicotine replacement products work by introducing nicotine into the body through contact with the skin or lungs and provide the nicotine your body's craving without the harmful gases and other harmful byproducts of smoking. NRT is not a sure fire method to smoking cessation, though, as it only suppresses the body's craving for nicotine and does not treat the psychological aspect of nicotine addiction.

Nicotine replacement patches are an extremely popular way to quit smoking. The patch is placed on the upper arm or the side of the abdomen and left there for the manufacturer recommended time period. The patch in infused with nicotine and transmit the drug through the skin into the body over the course of time. Smokers will not notice a dramatic lessening of their cravings, but withdrawal symptoms will become more manageable. As with any other medication, patches have side effects, some patients even report that the adhesive used on the patch causes painful skin irritation.

Nicotine gum is another popular means of delivering nicotine without the use of tobacco. Nicotine gum, like nicotine patches, contains nicotine, but none of the harmful carcinogens found in cigarettes. The gum is chewed for a brief time, and then held against the cheek and gum. Patients often report a tingling sensation in the area where the gum is held. Manufacturers state that this is normal and is caused by the gum transmitting nicotine into the body. Once the tingling sensation subsides, the gum will need to be chewed again for a few minutes and then held between the cheek and gum once more. A single piece of gum should last several hours.

Inhalers work much like the inhalers used by asthmatics. It delivers nicotine to the lungs in a mist form, which is then absorbed through the lining of the lungs. Nasal sprays work in a similar fashion. Inhaled forms of nicotine usually have a shorter duration than patches and gum.

It is important to understand that nicotine replacement therapies will neither force you to stop smoking, nor completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms. There will be uncomfortable symptoms to endure and the desire to light a cigarette only lessens, it never completely goes away. Other smoking cessation methods may need to be used to completely stop smoking.