I believe what is described is that nicotine is a potent agent for habit-forming, so you don't get as much addicted to the nicotine itself as the habit you have

I believe what is described is that nicotine is a potent agent for habit-forming, so you don't get as much addicted to the nicotine itself as the habit you have formed while taking nicotine, ie. smoking. The article describe utilizing this process to one's advantage by taking safe forms of nicotine while forming desired habits or (i.e working, learning etc.).