One of the strongest indicators that nicotine from smoking is addictive is the difference between people's desire to quit and quitting success rates. Surveys have shown that the majority of smokers — around 70 percent — want to stop smoking, yet the successful quit rate remains very low.

Why is nicotine so addictive?
Cigarettes are a very efficient drug-delivery system. Each puff on a cigarette sends nicotine to the brain within 10 seconds. Immediately, we feel more alert and calm. Sometimes euphoric. It feels good, so we have another puff. And another. Soon the brain's chemical structure actually changes. It becomes hooked into wanting more and more nicotine to make the effects last. Just think: if a typical pack-a-day smoker takes 10 "hits" off each cigarette, that's 200 "hits" of nicotine to the brain each day. No wonder smoking
is so addictive.

You may wonder how products that contain Therapeutic Nicotine can help smokers quit. Therapeutic Nicotine products, such as gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers, deliver controlled amounts of nicotine at a slower, less intense pace than cigarettes, relieving cravings while allowing smokers to gradually wean themselves from nicotine addiction. Learn more about Therapeutic Nicotine.

Smoking habits also trigger cravings
As nicotine addiction sets in, the brain connects our daily routines with cravings to make sure we get a steady flow of nicotine — boosting the role of cigarettes in our life. Without thinking, our normal everyday activities trigger the urge to smoke. Drinking coffee in the morning. Talking on the phone. Work breaks. Driving. During these times, cravings for a smoke are really the brain looking for a nicotine fix. Learn more about those fiendish triggers – and how to Tame Your Cravings.

To stop smoking you need to overcome both nicotine addiction AND smoking habits. See customize your quit plan