A method for assuaging tobacco addiction comprises pulsing doses of nicotine into a user's bloodstream so it reaches the brain before passing through the liver. A nicotine-burst tablet is held in the mouth by a user to receive each nicotine-pulse dose. The tablet is configured to suddenly release its entire nicotine payload from an otherwise inert or benign material. Such nicotine payload is relatively small, e.g., under one milligram. The therapeutic effects depend on the change of nicotine levels in the blood over a change in time. Rapid nicotine onset of a small dose is more assuaging than a slow build-up to a high dosage. An oral carrier comprises a nicotine saturated instant-dissolve paper that delivers one nicotine pulse. An additive prevents abuse by causing excessive use to catalyze a foul taste or sickening sensation.