I have wondered about that. Also recently, I've wondered if the nicoteen is a self medication for anxiety for my mom. I definately inherated her tendancy for anxiety along with my dad's depression. Although if she's mellow on cigerettes, I'd hate to think what she'd be like with out them. Which is why I take Xanex occasionally -- especially next week when I'll be visiting mom, and MIL and way more blood kin then I really want to deal with. :-)