The Role of Nicotine E-Cigarettes in Quitting Smoking

A recent international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that smokers attempting to quit have a higher success rate when nicotine e-cigarettes are incorporated into their cessation strategy. This study comes as Australia is set to make vaping prescription-only, sparking a debate on the role of vapes in smoking cessation.

The study involved 1,246 smokers divided into two groups: one received counseling along with free nicotine e-cigarettes and e-liquids, while the other underwent counseling but was given a voucher for non-vaping related purchases. Results showed a significant difference in quit rates between the two groups, with a higher success rate observed in the vaping group. Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, a smoking cessation clinician, highlighted the study’s effectiveness, noting an improvement in respiratory symptoms among the vaping group compared to the control group.

However, Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis from The University of Melbourne cautioned that vapes are not without risks, as e-liquids can contain harmful chemicals. The study also indicated that while many participants quit smoking tobacco, a considerable number continued using e-cigarettes, raising concerns about the long-term use of vaping products.