Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation: what choice for its status?

The behavioral and pharmacological mechanisms of nicotine addiction are com parable to those of other addictive substances such as heroine, cocaine.. N icotine replacement therapy is the most efficient medication to help smokin g cessation for dependent smokers. Nicotine products are sold over the coun ter (OTC) in many countries. This measure may enhance the number of abstine nt smokers, but many precautions are necessary : closes and duration must b e tailored to the type and intensity of dependence; a protracted follow-up is essential to prevent relapse; all cessation providers physicians pharmac ists, nurses, dentists, psychologists... are effective participants in smok ing cessation.