Nicotine vapes best chance to quit smoking, major review finds

Nicotine vapes best chance to quit smoking, major review finds A Cochrane review of 80 large trials involving roughly 30,000 participants has concluded that nicotine e‑cigarettes are the most effective aid for smokers who want to quit. The analysis showed that nicotine vapes outperformed conventional nicotine‑replacement therapies such as patches, gum and behavioural support, raising the quit rate from about six successes per 100 smokers to approximately one success per 10 smokers – an increase of roughly 60 percent. The same review found nicotine vapes also surpassed non‑nicotine e‑cigarettes, although researchers noted that switching to nicotine‑free devices later could assist in tapering off nicotine dependence. Additionally, the evidence suggested nicotine vapes might be more effective than the newer anti‑smoking medication cytisine, which the NHS has begun to roll out, though further study is required. Experts emphasise that while vaping is not completely risk‑free, it is substantially less harmful than smoking tobacco. In the United Kingdom, surveys indicate that more people aged 16 and over now use vapes or e‑cigarettes than smoke traditional cigarettes. Approximately 5.3 million adults, or 10 percent of the adult population, report smoking, whereas around 5.4 million adults use vapes either regularly or occasionally. The assessment applies specifically to regulated vaping products that meet quality standards and comply with strict safety legislation. It does not cover unregulated devices that may contain illegal substances such as spice or THC. Dr Jamie Hartmann‑Boyd, one of the study’s authors, warned: “Unlicensed e‑cigarettes are potentially dangerous, with issues including unstable batteries and harmful chemicals.” She added: “Anyone looking to use e‑cigarettes to quit smoking should only acquire devices that have been tested and approved by their country's regulatory body.” The review uncovered no evidence that using e‑cigarettes to quit smoking raises the risk of serious harm. However, the long‑term health effects of vaping remain uncertain, and the NHS advises that children and non‑smokers should never vape. Medical professionals caution that vaping could lead to health harms in children and should be made “less attractive” to that group. According to Action on Smoking and Health, about two‑thirds of individuals who smoke over the long term will die from a tobacco‑related disease. The World Health Organization identifies smoking as the leading cause of preventable illness and death, responsible for more than 7 million fatalities worldwide each year. Giving up smoking lowers the likelihood of severe conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. Nearly every NHS stop‑smoking service offers vapes or alternative support to help people quit. Individuals can locate their nearest service by searching online with their postcode.