APA Dictionary of Psychology

a smoking cessation treatment in which an individual attempting to quit smoking or chewing tobacco absorbs nicotine via a medically approved source, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, transdermal patches, nose sprays, or inhalers; most of these are available without a physician’s prescription. The alternative source (or sources, if multiple replacements are used) eases the cravings caused by nicotine withdrawal, helping the individual to reduce the use of or entirely quit using tobacco products. Nicotine replacements are safe when used correctly, but they occasionally have side effects, such as hiccups, upset stomach, coughing, heartburn, headache, and (with the patch) skin rash. Nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to significantly increase a person’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco use.