The purpose of the patch IS to wean off.
But, it keeps a sustainable level of nicotine in the body while you practice new behavioral skills to defeat those triggers. And, this nicotine has none of the nasty chemicals found in cigarettes, you know, like cyanide.
So there is great harm reduction.
Finally, we step down on this level of nicotine. So it's a slow, more comfortable way to wean off. Our brains receptors have lots of connectors for nicotine. The weaning helps prevent the shock to the system that happens with an abrupt quit.
I used the patch. The benefit is honestly learning new behavioral patters and responses to environmental triggers such as the computer, the phone, being bored... I know it helped me with my quit.
Use anything that will help free you from the nicodemon!
Shalom!