Is Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sinful?

Question:

Greetings,

Is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or using nicotine alone a sin? When I say nicotine, I'm not talking about cigarettes, vapes, or chewing tobacco. Though I understand why people associate those things with nicotine.

I used to vape for years, most of the day, to the point it was embarrassing that I couldn't live apart from my vape. I would never recommend someone starting. I decided to stop, I put down my vape and haven't used one since. But admittedly, I have switched to nicotine-only products. I use nicotine-only products at the beginning and end of my day. I'm no longer the same person. I was waiting all day for a nicotine fix. I used it for anxiety and boredom. While driving, cleaning my house, every break at work, out with friends, and even lying in bed.

If I don't quit nicotine cold turkey, am I in error? Nothing can come before God. Not me spending time with family and friends, not food, not caffeine, not my anxiety, not even nicotine.

Nicotine helps me wake up for the day, as someone with a lot of fatigue (that I had before even consuming nicotine), it helps me unwind as well. It doesn't make me high. Nicotine alone does not cause the diseases that vapes or cigarettes cause, which comes from all their added chemicals and poisons. Yes, it can be something people become dependent on, but if you are tapering down to quit, is that wrong?

I'm stuck. From the benefits studies I've seen on nicotine versus those who say it's wrong altogether. I don't know who to trust. All I know is it can't dictate my life, but are people in error for simply using nicotine alone?

Thank you for listening!