Vaping After Quitting Cigarettes

Can Vaping Prevent a Return to Cigarette Smoking?

A Cochrane living systematic review has found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can help more adults quit combustible cigarettes than nicotine-replacement therapy in controlled studies. That evidence addresses smoking cessation, however, and does not establish an ideal duration of vaping after a person has stopped smoking. Continued nicotine use may reduce cravings for some former smokers while also preserving the dependence that makes eventual nicotine cessation difficult.

The immediate priority is preventing a return to combustible tobacco, which produces smoke containing thousands of chemicals through burning. People who have switched completely should not resume smoking simply because they are concerned about vaping. Dual use is also a poor long-term goal because even limited cigarette consumption continues to expose the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to combustion-related toxicants.

Are E-Cigarettes Safer Than Conventional Cigarettes?

E-cigarette aerosol can contain nicotine, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds and metals. Products also vary considerably in their ingredients, nicotine delivery and heating characteristics. Although completely replacing cigarettes with vaping is likely to reduce exposure to many toxicants, reduced exposure does not mean zero cardiovascular, pulmonary or addiction-related risk.

Long-term evidence remains less complete than the extensive evidence documenting the harms of smoking. E-cigarettes are particularly inappropriate for adolescents, people who have never used tobacco and pregnant patients. Nicotine can affect the developing brain and fetus, while accidental exposure to concentrated nicotine liquid can poison children.

How Can Someone Stop Vaping Without Relapsing to Smoking?

A practical plan begins by identifying the device, nicotine concentration, frequency of use and situations that trigger vaping. Some people reduce nicotine strength or extend the time between sessions before setting a stop date. Withdrawal can cause irritability, restlessness, impaired concentration, sleep disturbance and strong cravings, especially during the first days after stopping.

Behavioral counseling and FDA-approved smoking-cessation medicines have established roles in helping adults quit cigarettes, although these medicines are not specifically approved as treatments for vaping cessation. A healthcare professional can assess whether nicotine-replacement products, varenicline or bupropion are appropriate and explain their benefits and risks. Free support is also available in the United States through 1-800-QUIT-NOW.