Are nicotine replacement products as dangerous as smoking?

Yes and no. When a person is on nicotine replacement, there is no secondhand smoke to harm the smoker or any bystanders. However, nicotine is still an addictive drug that alters brain chemistry and adversely affects the body, particularly the heart and hormonal systems. Nicotine is still being delivered into the body during replacement therapy although the body is learning to wean itself off of it through the gradual "step down" method. However, the end justifies the means if the result is breaking free of nicotine addiction and living a happier, healthier life.  more