How do nicotine patches work? don't they keep you addicted to nicotine?

No: The idea behind nicotine patches is to get rid of all the other toxins in cigarettes while weaning the amount of nicotine you get. You start at 21 mg daily and over a period of weeks decrease the dose to 14, then 7 then off. This will avoid nicotine withdrawal effects like nausea, shakes and headaches. You still have to deal with the habit addiction which may respond to exercise, zyban (bupropion) or chantix.

Better than smoking: There are several dangerous compounds associated with cigarette smoking besides nicotine. In addition, breaking the mental associations we tie with cigarette smoking is crucial to quitting. The important thing is to keep trying to quit.

Wean off: First, congratulations on planning to quit! the patches are designed to wean you off of the cigarettes slowly..As dr. Goodman said by reducing from 21 mg daily to 14 mg daily and then to 7 mg daily. This helps your body adjust slowly and can reduce your cravings as you have a continuous dose of the nicotine. They do not, however, help you break the habits..And these can make it hard to quit....

Break the habit too!: In addition to using the patch, try practicing activities without cigarettes...Like after meals, with your coffee, when you are stressed or during breaks. I agree, exercise, relaxation techniques can help. You can plan a substitute activity, .. Get up and take a walk after dinner instead of having a cigarette, or get your car cleaned thoroughly so you won't smoke in the car. Preplanning can help!