Can Vaping Help You Quit Smoking or Lead to Relapse?

 Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. But can vaping actually help smokers quit, or does it just lead to relapse? A new French study provides some insights.

The Rise of Vaping

Vaping rates have risen sharply, even as regular cigarette smoking has declined. E-cigarette manufacturers claim vaping is safer than smoking and can help smokers quit. However, vaping's long-term health effects remain unclear, especially for youth.

Studying Vaping's Impact on Quitting and Relapse

A team of French researchers tracked the smoking and vaping habits of over 5,400 daily smokers for nearly two years. They found vaping was associated with decreased cigarette consumption. However, vapers were more likely to relapse to smoking compared to those who quit nicotine entirely.

Vaping Linked to Smoking Reduction

The study found regular vapers smoked fewer cigarettes per day on average. This suggests e-cigarettes may help smokers cut back on cigarette consumption, likely by providing nicotine without all the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke.

But Vaping Also Associated with Higher Relapse Risk

Although vaping helped smokers use fewer cigarettes, the study found former smokers who vaped were more prone to relapse than those who abstained from all nicotine. Within the two-year study period, nearly 40% of vapers relapsed to cigarette smoking. Among non-vapers, only around 25% resumed smoking.

Why Might Vaping Lead to Relapse?

The study did not identify reasons for the higher relapse rate among vapers. The researchers speculate vaping may not fully satisfy smokers like cigarettes do. Vaping-related cues could also trigger cigarette cravings. More research is needed to understand the factors driving relapse in vapers.

Balancing Vaping's Risks and Benefits

Overall, the study indicates vaping may help smokers cut back but is not very effective for sustaining long-term abstinence from cigarette smoking. People who switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes may need additional support and tools to avoid relapse over time. More research can help identify the most effective smoking cessation strategies involving vaping.

Vaping helps smokers reduce cigarette use but may increase relapse risk compared to quitting all nicotine. A balanced approach is needed to realize vaping's benefits for smoking cessation while minimizing harms.