Vaping in smoking cessation is significantly more effective than other methods. This is the result of a major review of 16 independent studies in Australia.
New research from Queensland University in Australia shows that e-cigarettes are far more effective in smoking cessation than traditional nicotine medicines. The researchers compared the results of 16 studies with a total of 12 700 participants.
"The results show that e-cigarettes are up to 50% more effective than nicotine medicines. And 100% more effective compared to placebo" says Dr. Gary Chant, which compiled the report.
The report confirms previous research where smoking cessation using vejpning was compared with other established products such as nicotine gum, patches, oral and nasal sprays, tablets and inhalers.
"Electronic cigarettes work better than other methods. Probably because they not only provide the user with a smaller amount of nicotine to counteract withdrawal. They also promote the same behavior and sensation as cigarette smoking" says Gary Chant.
Prohibited nicotine liquid on prescription
The researchers chose from studies that measured long-term outcomes. The aim was to evaluate Australia's current policy on doctors advising patients on smoking cessation. Currently, e-liquid containing nicotine is banned from sale in the country. However, doctors can prescribe nicotine to smokers who have already tried other methods to quit smoking.
"The medical community recommends e-cigarettes as a second-line solution," says Gary Chan. "Our review shows that it may be time to change that recommendation"
"E-cigarettes have the potential to reduce smoking"
Australia is one of the few developed countries that does not allow nicotine-containing e-liquid to be sold over the counter. Several organizations are campaigning to make this possible in the future. However, there is strong opposition from both the medical community and the government. Researchers at the University of Queensland now hope that their report can change the conditions for smokers in the country to quit cigarettes.
"E-cigarettes have the potential to accelerate the decline in smoking. Our research shows that e-cigarettes, if we use them to their full potential, can put an end to the very widespread smoking we see today," says Gary Chan.
Not smoking cessation in Sweden
The Swedish Public Health Agency states that e-cigarettes are not a means of smoking cessation and the Medical Products Agency has previously tried to classify nicotine-containing e-liquid without success. The Swedish government's latest investigation into e-cigarettes also proposes to restrict the flavoring and availability of the products in Sweden.
The Australian report was published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
