According to a recent review by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, nicotine vapes are more effective at helping people quit smoking compared to conventional nicotine-replacement therapies (NRTs).
Nicotine Vapes Make Smoking Cessation More Likely
The study found strong evidence that vapes increase the likelihood of successful quitting compared to products such as patches, gums, and lozenges.
The review included 88 studies and over 27,235 participants, with most of the research conducted in the US, UK, and Italy.
The data showed that for every 100 people using nicotine vapes to quit smoking, eight to ten were expected to successfully quit, compared to six people using traditional NRTs and four people attempting to quit without any support or just behavioral support.
The review also highlighted that while vapes are not risk-free, they are significantly less harmful than traditional smoking, and have helped individuals who previously struggled to quit using other methods.
The study emphasized the need for evidence-based options to help smokers quit, as different methods work for different individuals. The review further clarified that non-smokers should not use vapes as they are targeted at helping smokers quit, comparing vape use to the treatment of substance use disorders involving opioids, where treatment is only prescribed to those addicted to opioids.
It is important to note that while nicotine vapes have shown promise in aiding smoking cessation, the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any vapes as medication to help adults quit smoking due to concerns regarding youth appeal and use of these addictive products.
