The abuse liability of nicotine replacement therapies is an important clinical consideration in the pharmacological treatment of nicotine dependence associated with cigarette smoking.Abuse liability is defined as: (i) the likelihood of taking a substance repeatedly, taking into account both factors that are likely to increase use (e.g. faster onset of pharmacodynamic effect) and factors that are likely to decrease use (e.g. adverse effects); and (ii) the likelihood of adverse consequences (both long and short term).It can be concluded that most of the nicotine replacement therapies have lower abuse liability than tobacco cigarettes. Among the alternative therapies available, it would appear that those with a slower onset (e.g. chewing gum and transdermal systems) are less likely to be abused than those with a faster onset.Experience with existing nicotine replacement therapies may be useful for future research into the development of new therapies.