Nicotine patches are perhaps the most common form of nicotine replacement therapy, designed the ease the discomfort of physical withdrawal when a smoker decides to quit cigarettes. Unlike other methods which work on satisfying an instant craving, patches are designed to continually release nicotine for the duration of wear, which hopefully reduces the chances of an intense craving.

Nicotine patches are quite large and resemble a large Band Aid or plaster. They tend to be skin coloured, for maximum discretion. They are applied to the skin, where a mild glue holds them in place until they are forcibly removed. While the patches are in contact with the skin, a small amount of nicotine is released and this is absorbed into the bearer’s system.

Like all types of nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patches come in various strengths. The most common use of patches is to use them on a sliding scale, beginning with patches containing 15mg of nicotine. After six week, if the bearer has successful managed to avoid smoking, this is decreased down to 10mg. Another two weeks on, it is then suggested a further drop down to the lowest rate – 5mg – for a further two weeks. After this period, most can remove the patches all together and begin a life completely devoid of nicotine.

Nicotine patches have one of the best success rates of all the various nicotine replacement therapies. This is largely due to the fact that they create a constant flow of nicotine into the bearer’s system, hugely reducing the risks of an all-consuming craving which can often cause people to give up and smoke a cigarette.

As with anything, there are some drawbacks to nicotine patches. The most common side effect is skin discoloration or discomfort where the patch meets the skin. For this reason, it is recommended that with each new patch you apply, put it in a different area of the body to reduce the chances of suffering. The most common areas for application are the hips, thighs, back and upper arms, and it is worth remembering that patches will be less effective if applied on a joint. Instead, opt for a flat area of skin which is disturbed as little as possible by movement.

However, the benefits far outweigh the negatives of nicotine patches. They are hugely useful if you find the taste or smell of nicotine unpleasant, something which is unavoidable with gum or nasal sprays. Although patches can’t do the entire job of quitting for you, it is estimated that those who do wear patches are 50% more likely to quit smoking for good.

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