E-cigarettes with nicotine are more effective than other alternatives for quitting smoking

Nicotine-infused e-cigarettes may help people quit smoking, working better than other replacement therapies, such as patches or gum, according to a new study.

 

The Cochrane review analysed 80 studies, involving a total of 29,861 adult smokers, comparing nicotine e-cigarettes with other options offered to help people quit smoking. "Our confidence in these evidence is high, which means we do not think that future studies are likely to change these conclusions significantly," she added.

 

The review found that more people were able to quit smoking and stay smoke-free for at least six months with e-cigarettes than with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches, gum and spray.

 

"In our study population, we would expect six people per 100 to quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapy. If they were given e-cigarettes with nicotine, we would expect this number to increase to about 10 per 100," Hartmann-Boyce said.

 

NRTs help smokers quit by providing nicotine as a replacement, easing withdrawal symptoms, although even with this support, long-term quit rates remain low.

 

Meanwhile, the study found that people may be more likely to quit smoking with nicotine e-cigarettes than with non-nicotine alternatives or behavioral support alone.

 

Not all e-cigarettes are the same

 

Despite evidence that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can be a useful alternative for smokers who want to quit, researchers warn that not all products are created equal.

 

"The harms we often hear about come mainly from unregulated vaping devices that contain ingredients known to be harmful to human health. They can contain psychoactive substances in addition to nicotine - for example, THC (the main chemical ingredient in cannabis)," Hartmann-Boyce noted.

 

She added that the products included in the review are part of controlled and regulated trials for sale on the market, which may differ from other products that people encounter in everyday use.

 

The researchers also warned that more evidence is needed on the effects of new types of vaping devices.

 

Towards quitting smoking

 

Tobacco addiction is caused not only by the effects of nicotine, but also through broader social and behavioral aspects, the researchers noted.

 

Quitting smoking is associated with significant health benefits. However, although most people who smoke want to quit, many find it difficult to succeed in the long term, the researchers added.

 

Almost half of smokers who try to quit without support fail to quit even for a week, and less than 5% remain smoke-free a year after quitting.

 

In light of this, the researchers noted that more research is needed on alternatives.

 

"There is interest in developing smoking cessation products that not only help alleviate the unpleasant effects of nicotine withdrawal, but also act as effective substitutes for smoking behavior and the rituals and sensations that accompany smoking, without the health risks associated with inhaling tobacco smoke," they write./ Euronews