Nicotine Patch as a smoking alternative?

I have come to the realization that stopping smoking most likely is not a feat that I will be able to accomplish. However, I have used Nicoderm CQ as a smoking alternative in the past for short periods of time. What if I were to stop smoking and continue to use the 21 mg patch on a daily basis (instead of stepping down to lower mg patch after 14 days) in place of smoking altogether. Will my chances of developing lung cancer drop by using the patch to get my nicotine fix? My mother died from lung cancer due to smoking so this is my main concern. However, I also worry about weight gain from stopping smoking. Has anyone else tried this? If so, what were your results? Any info appreciated. Before answering, Please understand that I am not trying to quit completely I am looking for a permanant alternative to cigarettes.

the patch is alot better than a cigarette. Smoking gives you lung cancer because the tar in them clogs your lungs. The weight gain might be a trouble, but the money you save on cigarettes spend on a gym or just work out more.

there gr8

you have to be motivated to stop smoking. The patch helps to prevent withdrawal. they work together. You can do it if you realoly want to, the patch just helps like a friend or a reason.

wearing a patch is just as likely to kill you as smoking itself. You may avoid the irritation to the throat but the cancer causing chemicals are still included in the nicotine in the patches, you'll just get cancer elsewhere.

There are two kinds of people in this world, smokers and non smokers. There is no alternative to it. I have smoked for years and it made me feel like crap. I tried everything to quit including the patch. Finally I tried Chantix and it worked. Smoke free for four months now. No going crazy, little weight gain.Ask your doctor about it just remember it is for quitting. It's better for you anyway. The only other thing I could think of for you is those all natural smokes, no additives or nicotine. Just quit!

this is not an option. those are to help you use less and lower the dose and use them less and less. and you need to change a little of your lifestyle so that the times when you usually want a cig. you need to find something else to do. there is not any alternative to smoking unfortunately.
my husband used the gum for a year. he just changed his addiction from cig to the gum and the gum is more expensive.
quiting is really hard. but it can be done, but only if you really want to or if you get really scared about smoking.
good luck!