Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu!
First off, may Allah make it easy on you brother! We all struggle with difficulties, and may you be successful in overcoming your addiction! Alhamdulilah, it's very noble of you and a sign that Allah loves you :)
There are always differing opinions, but logically, anything that would help you overcome such an affliction should be permissible, as long as it is a lesser sin than the one you are participating in. I'm no scholar, but I would encourage you to try to overcome your addiction NOW before Ramadan! :) Why don't you try to wean yourself off by trying out the patches, so that you can be ready for Ramadan? Or try fasting beforehand and insha'allah it will be easy for you!
A full explanation can be offered here regarding the fiqh of nicotine patches- insha'allah you find it comforting!
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/103523
nsha'allah if you have any other questions in the future, or if you'd like a private one-on-one discussion with a counselor, please feel free to submit a ticket at
www.givingguidance.com! Jazak'allah khair wasalaamu alaikum!