Vaping & Quitting Smoking: New Review Questions Link for Those Trying to Stop

A new review of research suggests the relationship between vaping and smoking cessation may be more nuanced than previously thought. While some studies have indicated that vaping can help smokers quit, a recent analysis published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research finds that this association is less pronounced when focusing on individuals who are actively trying to quit smoking.

The review, titled “Effectiveness of Nicotine Vape Products (E-cigarettes) as a Smoking Cessation Aid for US Adults—A Narrative Review of Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study,” examined existing data on vaping and quitting smoking. Researchers found that studies including individuals not specifically seeking to quit were more likely to show a positive correlation between vaping and cessation. This suggests that people may turn to vaping *after* deciding to quit smoking, rather than vaping being the primary driver of their decision to stop.

Vaping and Quitting: A Complex Relationship

The findings add to the ongoing debate surrounding the role of e-cigarettes in public health. While some public health officials view vaping as a potential harm reduction tool for smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit using traditional methods, others express concern about the potential for vaping to attract new nicotine users, particularly young people.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any e-cigarette products as a smoking cessation aid. However, a number of studies have suggested that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes may be more effective in helping adults quit smoking compared to e-cigarettes without nicotine or no treatment at all.

Nicotine Addiction and the Challenges of Quitting

Both smoking and vaping involve nicotine addiction, which can make quitting difficult. When someone attempts to quit either, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Resources are available to help people quit both smoking and vaping. The CDC recommends making a quit plan, talking to a healthcare provider about available tools and resources, and considering a combination of counseling and medication. Trained quit coaches are available through 1-800-QUIT-NOW to provide confidential assistance at no cost. Additional support is available via text messaging services like SmokefreeTXT and online resources such as CDC.gov/Quit and Smokefree.gov.

Support Resources Available

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• 1-800-DEJÉLO-YA (Spanish): 1-800-DEJÉLO-YA
• 1-800-838-8917 (Mandarin + Cantonese): 1-800-838-8917
• 1-800-566-5564 (Korean): 1-800-566-5564
• 1-800-778-8440 (Vietnamese): 1-800-778-8440
• National Texting Portal: SmokefreeTXT
• SmokefreeTXT for Teens: SmokefreeTXT for Teens
• SmokefreeTXT en español: SmokefreeTXT en español
• SmokefreeNATIVE: SmokefreeNATIVE
• Online Resources: CDC.gov/Quit, Smokefree.gov, Smokefree Teen, Smokefree en español

Nancy Rigotti, MD, a primary care doctor at Mass General Brigham, emphasizes that quitting vaping, like quitting smoking, is a process. “Quitting vaping is a journey. If you want to quit, there are many resources available along the way to help you succeed,” she said, as reported by Mass General Brigham on January 28, 2025.

The review highlights the importance of considering individual motivations and circumstances when evaluating the effectiveness of vaping as a cessation aid. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between vaping, nicotine addiction, and smoking cessation.