Introduction

New research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) suggests that trying out different types of vapes could be a key factor in helping people quit smoking. The study, published in the journal Addiction, found that experimenting with various e-cigarettes might help some smokers successfully quit.

What the Study Did

The study was conducted by UEA’s Norwich Clinical Trials Unit in six UK hospitals. It looked at how effective it was to give free e-cigarette starter packs to smokers in hospital emergency departments. The results were promising—one in four people who received a free e-cigarette managed to quit smoking.

Main Findings

Six months after receiving an e-cigarette, more than half of the people the research team contacted had either quit smoking or cut down significantly. Interestingly, a third of those who quit smoking completely had also stopped using e-cigarettes.

Dr. Emma Ward, the lead author from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, explained, “There is some debate over whether vapes should only be available with a prescription. However, our study shows that over a third of people who were given a vape by a healthcare professional later experimented with different devices bought from shops or online.”

Different Ways to Quit Smoking with Vapes

The study found that people quit smoking in various ways after receiving a vape. Some stopped smoking almost immediately, while others used both cigarettes and vapes for a while before quitting. Being satisfied with the vaping experience was important for quitting, but personal motivation and support also made a big difference.

Out of 1,010 daily smokers in the trial, 505 were given free vapes in A&E. The analysis focused on 366 participants who responded after six months. Additionally, 24 participants were interviewed to better understand different quitting experiences.

Why Opportunistic E-Cigarette Help Works

Dr. Ward’s study highlights that offering e-cigarettes in unexpected situations, like hospital visits, can work well. The research shows that people have different ways of quitting—some quit without using e-cigarettes long-term, while others find longer use helpful to avoid going back to smoking.

Balancing Health Risks and Benefits of Nicotine

While the research shows that trying different vapes can be effective for quitting smoking, it’s also important to consider the potential benefits and risks of nicotine use. According to recent findings, low-concentration nicotine e-cigarettes offer relatively fewer health risks and may even have some unexpected benefits, such as anti-aging effects. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between these benefits and potential health risks. Particularly for non-smokers and minors, the use of e-cigarettes for their anti-aging properties may not be justifiable. Compared to traditional tobacco, nicotine e-cigarettes generally have lower addictive potential, which means individuals may find it easier to control their nicotine intake and reduce smoking frequency. This balance is key to supporting healthier lifestyle choices while minimizing risks.

To cater to individual needs, products like the Monvaper M20 offer adjustable nicotine levels with two distinct modes. The first mode releases a lower concentration of nicotine, allowing smokers to gradually reduce their intake based on their personal preferences and quit smoking at their own pace. Compared to traditional tobacco, these options provide a lower addiction potential, making it easier for users to control their nicotine consumption and reduce smoking frequency.

Final Thoughts

The UEA study also suggests that not everyone likes the idea of getting vapes through the NHS. Some people see e-cigarettes as something to buy on their own rather than as a medical treatment. Still, the study shows that experimenting with different vapes can be a useful strategy for some people trying to quit smoking.