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There are two forms of Vitamin B3, niacin and niacinamide - you want just the regular niacin. Do not buy flush-free or time-release niacin, as that is hard on the liver, and you will not know when you are taking enough. Do not be alarmed by the flush - it is supposed to happen, and it lets you know that you are receiving enough niacin. The flush should subside in about 10 minutes. If you get a severe flush that lasts longer than 30 minutes, simply reduce your dosage.
To find the right dose of niacin for you, start out by taking around 100 mg of niacin in the morning, afternoon, and night. If you receive no flush at all, then increase niacin intake by 100 mg one meal at time, I.e. 200 mg in the morning, 100 in the afternoon, 100 at night. If you still receive no flush, then take 200 mg, 200 mg, 100 mg and so on. Do not be alarmed if you find you need several grams of niacin a day; people generally take 1000-9000 mg of niacin a day (it is uncommon to need more or less but it does occur so always start slow). You may need to empty the contents of gelatin capsules or cut tablets in half or quarters (you can find a pill splitter in the elderly care section of your pharmacy near the pill organizers) to take your proper dose. When you feel a proper flush, then stay at this dose. Niacin is best taken during or after a meal.
The flush will feel like a hot flash and give your skin a pink glow or the appearance of hives. Don't worry; you are not allergic to niacin. This is normal and simply indicates capillary dilation. For me, the niacin flush is also accompanied by a runny nose, but not everyone gets that. If you flush severely and for more than 30 minutes, reduce your dosage.
As for the protocol, simply take niacin with one silica tablet (or 1-2 tsp of diatomaceous earth) 3 times a day. You may also want to add a B-complex and Vitamin C to your daily regimen to ease nutrient absorption. You may need to increase your water intake. If you get constipated, reduce the silica and/or drink more water. Nutrient absorption is also increased with exercise and a clean diet.
Try to reduce your nicotine usage before starting the protocol. Quitting cold turkey when you start will reduce the time you need to be on the protocol, so this is highly recommended if you really hate the flush or otherwise hate the protocol. Your cravings will probably not stop completely, but they will reduce so much that you will hardly notice them. If you have trouble, just try to distract yourself and remember that it only takes about 5 days to immensely reduce the intensity of the cravings. I recommend you stay on the protocol for about 1-2 weeks, but it won't hurt if you decide to stay on it longer as long as your liver function is normal.
Note that I still have cravings from time to time particularly when stressed, but the urge will pass if ignored. Don't make the mistake of treating a temporary increase of stress with a pack of cigarettes because addiction doesn't work that way; you will most likely fall off the wagon and have to quit all over again (I did this once).
Niacin therapy is also useful for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, even when the patient has not responded well to alternative treatments. It may also lower cholesterol, ease insomnia, or provide other benefits. For this reason, many people take high doses of niacin long-term with no ill-effects. Physicians often caution against it, but there are currently no recorded instances of niacin overdose in humans (in dogs, the limit is about 5000 mg per kg body weight).
I do not recommend niacin therapy if you have diabetes, alcoholism, any liver disorder, or are pregnant.
