Nicotine patch. View of a nicotine drug patch on a man's arm. This patch is used by people who are trying to give up smoking but who are addicted to the nicotine in cigarette smoke. The patch contains nicotine, and the drug is released gradually into the wearer's body transdermally through their skin. In a 6-8 week course of treatment, the patches used provide lower and lower doses of nicotine. The gradual decline in nicotine levels alleviates withdrawal symptoms and increases the chance of successfully stopping cigarette smoking. Nicotine is an addictive drug that stimulates the nervous system.