Researchers sifted through studies on quitting vaping to discover the most effective method for putting e-cigarettes in the closet for good.
- A study examined effective strategies for giving up electronic cigarettes by analyzing data from 9 research studies on the subject.
- Varenicline and text message-based interventions can help people quit vaping, the study found.
- Further research is needed to confirm these results.
If your 2025 resolution is to stop vaping, good news! The University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Oxford have identified the most effective strategy to achieve this goal. They detailed it in the review Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsJanuary 8, 2025.
E-Cigarette: studies scrutinized to find the best way to quit
To more easily stop vaping, you must take varenicline – a prescription medication already used to stop smoking – and/or participate in a text coaching program. The team reached this conclusion after compiling data from nine studies on quitting e-cigarettes, published between January 2004 and April 2024. This represented more than 5,000 participants.
Analyzes show that programs designed to provide support via text message appear to be effective for young people aged 13 to 24. Varenicline was potentially effective in adults. “However, due to the limited number of studies, this evidence for both approaches was uncertain and needs to be investigated further”recognize the authors in their press release.
Stopping Vaping: Further Research Needed
Although additional work is necessary to confirm the published conclusions, this study still presents progress on a still small research topic. “We know that people who use vaping as a way to move away from smoking are often keen to know how they can stop vaping safely without relapsing into smoking, which is really important”notes scientist Jamie Hartmann-Boyce.
“With the results of our study, healthcare professionals now have initial evidence of specific approaches they can recommend, particularly for young people who want to stop vaping“, explains Ailsa Butler who co-led the research. “However, we urgently need more research to explore these and other approaches.”
His colleague adds that, among other things, SMS sending programs should be studied more closely. “I think it’s clear that this approach helps young people. The question is: will this help other populations?”