Nicotine replacement therapy, especially when combining a patch with a rapid-delivery form, significantly improves long-term smoking abstinence rates.

A comprehensive Cochrane review found that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases quit rates by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Combining a transdermal patch with faster-acting NRT forms like gum or spray showed superior success compared to single forms. The review rigorously analyzed randomized controlled trials with follow-ups of at least six months, reinforcing the robustness of these findings.