a new study suggests that smokers who use both cigarettes and vapes simultaneously (“dual use”) are more likely to eventually quit smoking than those who do not use vapes. The research indicates that dual use can be a viable stepping stone towards long-term abstinence, helping smokers reduce their tobacco intake and manage cravings more effectively than traditional nicotine replacement therapies.
Key Takeaways:
- Higher Quit Rates: Dual users were more likely to be smoke-free at 4 weeks and 1 year.
- Harm Reduction: Even if not quitting immediately, dual users significantly reduced cigarette consumption.
- Flavor Importance: Switching from tobacco flavors to fruit flavors was linked to better long-term success.
- Clinical Advice: Experts suggest dual use shouldn’t be discouraged if it aids gradual cessation.
Dual use refers to the concurrent consumption of traditional combustible cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (vapes). While often viewed with skepticism by public health officials concerned that it might prolong smoking habits, new research from Queen Mary University of London challenges this narrative, suggesting it may actually facilitate long-term cessation.
Study Insights: Dual Use as a Pathway to Quitting
The study, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, followed 886 adult smokers in the UK over one year. Participants were offered either e-cigarettes or traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to assist their quit attempts.
The findings revealed a distinct advantage for those who incorporated vaping:
- Short-Term Success: Smokers who continued to vape after an initial quit attempt were more likely to stop smoking by the four-week mark compared to those who did not vape.
- Long-Term Abstinence: Crucially, this group was also more likely to have successfully quit smoking after a full year.
- Reduced Consumption: Even among those who didn’t stop smoking entirely, dual users were far more likely to substantially reduce their daily cigarette intake, a key component of harm reduction.
Vaping vs. NRT: Managing Urges and Flavors
The researchers noted that e-cigarette users experienced lower urges to smoke compared to those using traditional NRTs like patches or gum. The study also highlighted the critical role of flavors and nicotine strength in the cessation journey.
| Factor | Observation in Study | Impact on Quitting |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine Strength | Users started high and tapered down. | Allowed for effective craving management initially. |
| Flavor Choice | Most switched from tobacco to fruit flavors. | Those sticking to tobacco flavor were less likely to remain smoke-free. |
| Nicotine-Free | 1 in 10 switched to 0mg liquid by year one. | Demonstrates potential for total nicotine cessation. |
Expert Perspectives on Harm Reduction
Dr. Francesca Pesola, lead author, emphasized that while abrupt quitting is ideal, “vaping can help with doing it gradually over time.” This sentiment was echoed by Professor Peter Hajek, who argued the results show “dual use promotes genuine harm reduction.”
Professor Caitlin Notley of the University of East Anglia added that the study provides evidence against the fear that dual use encourages continued smoking. Instead, it supports the view that for many, the sensory experience of vaping—enhanced by non-tobacco flavors—is a vital bridge to becoming smoke-free.
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