Nicotine substitutes have helped me quit smoking. Are they addictive?

It's tough to quit smoking and many people opt for substitutes like nicotine patches or gum to make the transition easier.

But does that mean you're picking up another addiction?

According to health expert Michaela Goecke, there's no need to worry when using tobacco substitutes like patches and gum.

"Nicotine does have a high potential for addiction. However, this is mainly true if it is inhaled via tobacco smoke," Goecke, from Germany's Federal Centre for Health Education, says.

While substitute products like patches and gum also supply the body with nicotine, the substance is absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes, she explains.

Inhaling nicotine brings the substance to your brain very fast and in high amounts - a process that takes much longer with substitute products do and therefore reduces the risk of addiction.

Another hurdle to quit cigarettes is that they taste good once you've gotten used to them. Nicotine gum or tablets have a bitter taste, which makes them less enjoyable but also reduces the risk of addiction.

However, permanently replacing cigarettes with nicotine substitutes isn't a good idea, says Goecke who recommends them for a maximum of three to six months.