Quit Smoking with Vaping

Kicking the smoking habit can be challenging, but vaping offers a helpful alternative. By using e-cigarettes, you can still get the nicotine your body craves while avoiding many of the harmful toxins found in tobacco. For many, vaping provides a smoother transition away from smoking, allowing people to socialize, spend less, and feel better overall. While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it does come with its own risks, so it’s best viewed as a stepping stone toward quitting entirely.

---

Vaping vs. Other Methods

There are several ways to replace the nicotine from cigarettes, and many choose alternatives such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, or mouth sprays. These products provide nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking and are widely available from doctors, pharmacies, Quitline, supermarkets, and local stop smoking services.

While these methods help by providing nicotine, the process of quitting can still be difficult. Having additional support during your journey can significantly increase your chances of successfully quitting.

For those who need extra help, there are also medications available:

• Bupropion (Zyban)
• Nortriptyline (Norpress)

These medications work by reducing the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit. Combining these medications with a stop-smoking service can increase your chances of success.

---

Vaping Instead of Smoking

Smoking is a hard habit to break, which is why many smokers turn to vaping as an alternative. Vaping allows you to maintain familiar routines, such as taking smoke breaks or socializing, while still delivering the nicotine your body is used to—without the toxic substances found in tobacco.

While quitting smoking altogether is the ultimate goal, vaping offers a safer way to transition. Even cutting down to just one cigarette a day can still be harmful, making vaping a healthier option for many people.

Traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) have some limitations. They provide nicotine more slowly and at a lower level than cigarettes, helping to reduce dependence. However, NRTs don’t address the sensory, behavioral, and social aspects of smoking—factors that smokers often miss most when trying to quit. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, allow you to replicate these experiences while significantly reducing harm.

---

Almost Twice as Effective

Many people share success stories about quitting smoking, and several studies back up the effectiveness of various methods. While vaping is still a relatively new option, one recent study has shown promising results.

A clinical trial in the UK compared a group of 886 people using NRTs with those using e-cigarettes to quit smoking. Participants received three months of products and four weeks of support from a coach. After a year, 10% of the NRT group remained non-smokers, while 18% of the vaping group had successfully quit. With nearly double the success rate, vaping is emerging as a highly effective option for those looking to break free from smoking.