Results indicated low rates of NRT abuse among youth, which remained relatively stable between the two surveys conducted over the course of the study period (2.7 percent and 4.6 percent abuse rates, respectively). Moreover, abuse rates for NRT were substantially lower than those for other OTC substances, such as diet pills and inhalants. Data were drawn from two national cross-sectional surveys administered in school settings, one of which was conducted between October 1996 and February 1997 while the other identical survey was administered between October 1998 and January 1999. Participants were 562 students for the first survey and 721 students for the second survey, from a larger sample of 1,091 students. Data analysis techniques included the calculations of means and percentages as well as z-tests. Future research should focus on assessing the positive and negative outcomes associated with NRT use versus abuse in order to form appropriate policies regarding its regulation. Tables, figure, note, references