Vaping doubles smokers’ chances of quitting, major new report finds

Smokers who use nicotine vapes are up to 67% MORE LIKELY to quit than those using traditional nicotine-replacement therapy, the world’s most respected authority on medical evidence reveals today. Vapes are up to TWICE AS EFFECTIVE as trying to quit ‘cold turkey’, it adds.

The landmark review by Cochrane is powerful real-world proof that governments should embrace safer nicotine alternatives as part of their efforts to reduce smoking-related deaths.

The Cochrane researchers examined 80 completed studies involving 29,861 participants. They found that for every 100 people who use nicotine vapes to stop smoking, between eight and 10 are likely to succeed. That compares with six using nicotine-replacement therapies such as patches or gum, six using nicotine-free vapes and five receiving behavioural support alone or no support.

Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: “This is a finding that policymakers cannot ignore. Nicotine vapes are helping significantly more smokers quit than conventional nicotine-replacement therapies, and the evidence supporting that conclusion is now judged to be of high certainty.

“Smoking kills because tobacco is burned, creating a lethal mixture of smoke, tar and toxic chemicals. Vaping provides nicotine without combustion and gives smokers a more acceptable alternative to cigarettes that can save their lives.

“Conventional nicotine-replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, lozenges and gum, have been on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines for decades.

“Yet some governments continue to restrict or stigmatise the innovative alternatives that are giving smokers their best chance of escaping combustible tobacco.”

Sweden has reduced its smoking rate to the lowest in Europe by ensuring that safer smoke-free nicotine alternatives, such as vapes, snus and pouches, are accessible, acceptable and affordable to adults. Swedes now benefit from the lowest rates of tobacco-related disease in the EU, including male lung cancer deaths 61% lower than the average.

“Sweden’s experience shows what can be achieved when smokers are given practical alternatives to cigarettes,” said Dr. Human, a former secretary-general of the World Medical Association. “This Cochrane review reinforces the central lesson of tobacco harm reduction: when safer nicotine products are available, more smokers can quit. That evidence should now guide policymaking worldwide.”