Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which includes products such as nicotine gum and the nicotine patch, is designed to help smokers reduce their dependence on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Researchers from the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis studied the use of nicotine replacement therapy among smoking and nonsmoking teens.

In 1998, 4,078 Memphis, Tennessee, high school students completed a survey about smoking habits and use of nicotine replacement therapy. Students were asked whether and how often they smoked, whether they had ever used nicotine replacement therapy and for what reason, and how easy it was for them to obtain nicotine patches or gum. Also, if a student used NRT, he or she was asked from whom or where they obtained it.

Twenty-six percent of the students surveyed reported smoking or experimenting with smoking, and 13% identified themselves as regular smokers. More than 5% of the students in the survey currently used or had used NRT in the past. Smokers who were trying to quit used NRT most frequently, but some smokers said they used NRT when they were unable to smoke, which is not a recommended use of the product. In addition, 30% of current and former smokers report that they used tobacco and NRT simultaneously. Seventy-five percent of teens who currently smoked agreed that it was OK to use NRT for reasons other than to try to quit smoking, and 18% of NRT users had never smoked.

In addition, 50% of teen NRT users said it would be easy to get NRT from parents, doctors, or by purchasing it themselves.

What This Means to You: Teen smoking is a major health issue for adolescents, and nicotine replacement therapy, when used safely and appropriately, may help teens quit. But according to the results of this survey, many teens use NRT inappropriately - a practice that puts their health at risk. If your teen smokes, avoid smoking yourself and talk to your child's doctor about the best ways to encourage quitting, including NRT options. It's also a good idea to discuss NRT with your child, even if he or she doesn't smoke. Remind your child that inappropriate use of NRT, like cigarettes, can be physically damaging.

Source: Lisa M. Klesges, PhD; Karen C. Johnson, MD, MPH; Grant Somes, PhD; Susan Zbikowski, PhD; Leslie Robinson, PhD; Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, June 2003

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: July 2003