Ready to quit vaping in the new year? Study uncovers the best ways

A recent study co-led by a researcher from the University of Massachusetts Amherst aimed to identify effective strategies for quitting vaping. The research, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, found that varenicline, a prescription medication commonly used to help people quit smoking, and text message-based interventions can aid in quitting vaping.

“This is a burgeoning area of research driven by individuals seeking help to quit vaping,” explains senior author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an assistant professor at the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. “It is crucial to provide support for those using vaping as a means to transition from smoking and wish to quit safely without relapsing.”

According to Cochrane reviews, e-cigarettes have been shown to improve the chances of quitting smoking compared to traditional nicotine replacement therapies. This is particularly relevant for individuals who have never smoked but started vaping and now want to quit due to health concerns or nicotine dependency.

The study, conducted by a team of scientists including Nicola Lindson and Ailsa Butler from the University of Oxford, analyzed nine randomized studies involving over 5,000 participants to assess tools for quitting vaping.

“The interventions tested mirror those effective in smoking cessation,” says Hartmann-Boyce. “However, it is essential to determine their efficacy specifically for quitting vaping through further trials.”

The study indicated that text message-based support was effective for individuals aged 13 to 24, while varenicline showed promise for adults trying to quit vaping. The researchers emphasize the need for more studies to validate these approaches due to the limited evidence currently available.

“Health care professionals now have preliminary evidence to recommend specific strategies, especially for younger individuals seeking to quit vaping,” Butler notes. “However, further research is urgently required to explore and validate these interventions.”

The text message approach includes motivational content, social norms reinforcement, and quitting tips tailored for young people. “This method has shown effectiveness for youth, but its impact on other demographics remains to be seen,” adds Hartmann-Boyce.

Ongoing studies are being conducted to delve deeper into this area, with Cochrane prioritizing research on quitting vaping. “This is a rapidly evolving field of study, and we will continue to update our findings as new evidence emerges,” Hartmann-Boyce emphasizes.