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Step 1
Mentally prepare yourself to give up smoking for good. Don't expect miracles from the patches. You must be ready to quit in order for the patches to work.
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Step 2
Stop smoking on the day you begin using the patch. Smoking while using the patch can lead to a nicotine overdose.
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Step 3
Place a patch on an area of your skin between your neck and waist. Choose a spot that is not covered with hair. Make sure your skin is clean. Do not put the patch on skin that has sores or burns.
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Step 4
Scrub your hands with soap and water. Nicotine that remains on your fingers can get into your nose and eyes and cause irritation or other problems.
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Step 5
Leave the patch on for the recommended amount of time. In most cases this is for 16 or 24 hours, depending on the strength of the patch you are using.
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Step 6
Get help for your emotional ties to your nicotine addiction. This will increase the likelihood that you will still be a nonsmoker long after you have stopped using nicotine patches. Ask a friend or former smoker for support, or join Nicotine Anonymous.
