While vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, it carries its own risks. Quitting can be challenging, much like giving up smoking, but with the right approach, it’s possible to break the habit for good.
As we step into 2025, many are looking for ways to improve their health, whether it’s setting dietary goals or cutting back on caffeine. For those who vape and are ready to quit, new research has identified some of the most effective methods to make the transition easier and permanent.
The Study on Quitting Vaping
A groundbreaking study co-led by Jamie Hartmann-Boyce from the University of Massachusetts Amherst sheds light on the best strategies to quit vaping. This research comes amid upcoming changes in the UK, such as a ban on disposable vapes and a new tax on refillable ones.
Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews on January 7, the study evaluates methods to help individuals successfully quit vaping. “This is an area of research that’s still growing,” says Hartmann-Boyce, “but it’s being driven by people who vape seeking support to quit.”
She highlights that many individuals who initially used vaping as a tool to stop smoking are now eager to move away from vaping without falling back into smoking.
Key Findings: The Best Ways to Quit
The study identified two promising approaches to help people quit vaping:
- Prescription Medication (Varenicline)
- Commonly known as Champix, varenicline is a prescription drug often used to help people quit smoking. It’s now being considered as a viable tool for adults looking to stop vaping.
- Text Message-Based Interventions
- For younger individuals, particularly those aged 13 to 24, programs that provide support via text messages have shown significant promise. These interventions are modeled after similar programs used to help people quit smoking.
The Research Process
The team, including co-lead authors Nicola Lindson and Ailsa Butler from the University of Oxford, reviewed nine randomized studies involving over 5,000 participants. Their goal was to assess the effectiveness of various tools designed to support individuals in quitting vaping.
Hartmann-Boyce emphasizes that while these methods are inspired by smoking cessation programs, further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness for vaping.
Limited Evidence and the Need for More Research
Although initial findings are encouraging, the researchers caution that evidence for both varenicline and text-based support remains of low certainty due to the limited number of studies.
“With the results of our review, healthcare professionals now have initial guidance on specific approaches to recommend, especially for younger people,” says Butler. “However, more research is urgently needed to explore these and other strategies.”
Varenicline’s Growing Role
In November 2024, varenicline became available on the NHS as an effective tool for quitting smoking and vaping. It has been found to be more effective than nicotine-replacement therapies like gum or patches. The daily pill, now offered to thousands of smokers in England, works by blocking nicotine cravings, making it easier to overcome addiction.
As the research continues, experts remain optimistic about finding more effective ways to help individuals quit vaping and improve their overall health.
