Nicotine addiction, in most cases, occurs through smoking tobacco-containing cigarettes, cigars and pipes, although addiction may occur through chewing tobacco as well, according to the American Cancer Society. Nicotine causes a person to crave tobacco frequently. In addition to addiction to nicotine, the person also suffers from the effects of smoking. While the nicotine itself may not cause such problems as lung damage and breathing problems, it induces the person to continue to smoke tobacco, which does cause these problems. Lung damage and lung disease can lead to death, according to the American Cancer Society.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum, a replacement for nicotine without the tobacco, helps reduce the craving for nicotine, according to the American Cancer Society. The use of the gum fulfills the addict's need for nicotine while he makes the conscious effort to stop smoking. It delivers nicotine quicker than the transdermal nicotine patch, but it takes several minutes to affect the brain. The gum pieces come in 2mg and 4mg candied gums. The available flavors include cherry and mint.
Nicotine Lozenges
Nicotine lozenges offer an alternative to gum but act in much the same way. The hard, sugared candy contains nicotine, according to the American Cancer Society. Lozenges come in mint and cherry flavors and in 2mg or 4mg doses. During the 12-week program of quitting cigarettes, the person will need to use fewer and fewer lozenges to gradually decrease the nicotine intake, with the maximum at the start of the program at 20 lozenges per day.
Nicotine Patch
The nicotine patch, also called the transdermal nicotine patch, delivers nicotine over a course of hours, the American Cancer Society states, when applied to the person's skin. It takes a few hours for it to reach the person's blood stream, but its effects then decrease the cravings for a cigarette. The transdermal nicotine patch doses include 7mg, 14mg and 21mg released throughout a 24-hour period.
Snacks and Water
Keeping snacks and water nearby will help fight the urge to have a cigarette, the American Cancer Society states. The person can fight the oral fixation of smoking with favorite foods and snacks. Water provides a healthy bonus, keeping the body hydrated and flushing toxins out while at the same time reducing the urge to smoke. Because lollipops encourage the same action as smoking--they meet the oral need as well as giving the ex-smoker something to hold--they work well as a distraction for smokers.
Exercise
A natural way to stop the urge to smoke, exercise also can make the person's body healthier, according to the American Cancer Society. Exercise helps rid the body of toxins as well as strengthening the heart and lungs.
Medications
Bupropion, an antidepressant, works to help stop the urge to smoke, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors prescribe it and monitor the progress of the person trying to quit smoking. The course of treatment usually lasts seven to 12 weeks. Another medication called varenicline helps stop the desire to smoke as well as to decrease the withdrawal symptoms related to smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. This type of treatment lasts for approximately 12 weeks.
