A review by the Cochrane research network has established that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than patches, gum, or behavioral therapy. Analyzing data from nearly 30,000 participants, researchers found that vapes help eight to ten out of 100 smokers quit for at least six months.

nicotine vapes quit smoking

Comparing Success Rates of Cessation Methods

The study, led by Jamie Hartmann-Boyce from the University of Massachusetts, evaluated data from 29,861 participants across 80 trials. The findings highlight a clear hierarchy in the effectiveness of various cessation strategies.

E-Cigarettes as a Transitional Tool

Hartmann-Boyce noted the potential of e-cigarettes as a transitional aid. "There is strong evidence that regulated nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are considerably less harmful than smoking," she stated. However, she clarified that this does not apply to illegal vapes and suggested switching to e-cigarettes should serve as a step toward complete nicotine cessation.

Co-author Nicola Lindson from the University of Oxford added that having diverse options is vital for smokers trying to quit. "While nicotine vapes are probably not completely risk-free, they are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes," Lindson said.

Long-Term Safety and Alternative Perspectives

Despite the positive cessation statistics, health experts urge caution regarding long-term safety. Ute Mons from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) pointed out that the Cochrane review lacks long-term data on the safety of e-cigarettes in tobacco cessation.

"While switching from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes is a smoking cessation, the addiction and long-term health risks from e-cigarette use remain," Mons warned. In Germany, medical guidelines continue to recommend behavioral therapy combined with traditional nicotine replacement products as the gold standard for quitting.

• Source: Nicotine Vapes Double Smoking Cessation Success, Cochrane Study Finds