Yes, a new study suggests that smokers who use both cigarettes and vapes simultaneously ("dual use") are more likely to eventually quit smoking compared to those who only smoke. Research indicates that dual use can be a stepping stone to full cessation, helping users reduce their smoking 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 after one year than non-vapers.
- Reduced Cravings: Vaping reduced the urge to smoke more effectively than patches or gum.
- Flavor Importance: Switching from tobacco flavors to fruit or other options improved quit success.
- Harm Reduction: Dual use supports gradual reduction, challenging the view that it hinders quitting.
Dual use refers to the practice of using both electronic cigarettes (vapes) and combustible tobacco cigarettes concurrently, a behavior often viewed skeptically by some health professionals but now shown to potentially aid long-term smoking cessation. A new study from Queen Mary University of London challenges the conventional wisdom that smokers must quit abruptly to succeed.
Study Findings: Vaping as a Bridge to Quitting
The research, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, followed 886 adult smokers in the UK over one year. Participants were offered either e-cigarettes or traditional nicotine replacement therapies (like patches or gum) to assist their quit attempts. The results revealed a distinct advantage for those who incorporated vaping:
- Short-Term Success: Smokers who continued to vape after their initial quit attempt were more likely to have stopped smoking by the four-week mark compared to those who did not vape.
- Long-Term Abstinence: Crucially, dual users were also more likely to have successfully quit smoking entirely after one year.
- Harm Reduction: Even those who didn't quit completely were far more likely to substantially reduce their cigarette consumption if they vaped.
The Role of Flavors and Nicotine Strength
The study also highlighted user preferences that contributed to success. Most e-cigarette users began with high nicotine strengths and gradually tapered down, with about one in ten shifting to nicotine-free liquids by the end of the year. Interestingly, while all participants started with tobacco-flavored e-liquid, most quickly switched to fruit or other flavors. Those who stuck with tobacco flavors were reportedly less likely to remain smoke-free, suggesting that flavor variety plays a key role in the sensory satisfaction of vaping.
Expert Perspectives: Rethinking Dual Use
Dr. Francesca Pesola, lead author of the study, noted, "The sooner smokers quit the better, but for those who find it difficult to stop smoking abruptly, vaping can help with doing it gradually over time."
Professor Peter Hajek, co-author, addressed common concerns: "Smokers and clinicians sometimes believe that if smokers do not manage to stop smoking soon after starting vaping, they should stop using e-cigarettes to avoid dual use. But these results show that dual use promotes genuine harm reduction and that it can be a useful step to stopping smoking altogether."
Professor Caitlin Notley from the University of East Anglia added that the findings provide evidence against the fear that dual use encourages continued smoking. Instead, it supports the alternative explanation: dual use can be a viable pathway to quitting.
Vape Lifestyle & Advocacy Blogger
Chloe Evans, widely known as "CloudChaser Chloe," is a prominent voice in the global vaping community, celebrated for her vibrant personality and keen focus on the lifestyle aspects of vaping. Based in the creative hub of Portland, Oregon, Chloe's content blends fashion, art, and harm reduction, offering a fresh perspective on the vaping world. She aims to demystify vaping for adult consumers and challenge outdated perceptions, promoting a responsible and enjoyable experience.