How does NRT work as an aid for smoking cessation? (2 marks)

Nicotine is physically and psychologically addictive. The body adapts to the presence of nicotine, and if nicotine is removed abruptly causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms which make it difficult for most people to quit tobacco use without assistance.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) replaces the nicotine obtained through smoking. This helps reduce physical withdrawal symptoms and makes it easier to focus on psychological addiction which needs to be targetted separately.

Using NRT can nearly double the chances of quitting.

There are various different forms of NRT, the most used are patches and gum.

NRT can be effective on its own, but is most effective when the consumer also receives parallel cessation-counseling.