Deciding to quit smoking is one of the best decisions a person can make, and this decision has a dramatic potential to improve one’s health. With all of the benefits to be gained by quitting, those who have never experienced nicotine addiction may wonder why anyone smokes at all. Smokers know the tenacious hold nicotine addiction has over a person. Someone with remarkable willpower in other areas of their life may find freeing themselves of this addiction to be the most difficult thing they ever do.

Because of the extreme challenge quitting poses, a great deal of research has gone into ways to increase the chances of success. One tool that may assist you in your effort to quit is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT refers to a method of using measured, regulated, non-tobacco sources of nicotine to gradually reduce the dosage that your body requires to feel comfortable.

There are a wide variety of NRT options and doses to choose from. There are various types of nicotine gum, which come in different flavors, and several dosage “steps.” There are lozenges, which gradually release nicotine to be absorbed by the mucous membranes in the mouth. Newer options include nasal sprays and inhalers. Consult with your doctor when deciding to try NRT.