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As the new year rolls in, many people are setting resolutions to quit vaping, and a new study may offer hope to those looking for effective strategies. Co-led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher, the study reveals that certain methods can significantly increase the chances of quitting vaping. Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the findings suggest that prescription medications such as varenicline, typically used to help smokers quit, and text-message interventions are promising tools for those trying to break free from the habit.
Vaping has become a growing concern, particularly among young people, with many individuals who vape seeking ways to quit without relapsing to smoking. “This is an area of research that is in its infancy, but it’s growing rapidly and organically from people who vape asking for help to quit,” says Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, senior author of the study and assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The study highlights a critical gap in understanding the most effective methods to help people quit vaping. While previous Cochrane reviews have found “high certainty evidence” that e-cigarettes can increase the chances of quitting smoking compared to traditional nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum, the focus of this study is on quitting vaping itself.
The research team, including co-leads Nicola Lindson and Ailsa Butler from the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, reviewed nine randomized studies involving more than 5,000 participants. Their goal was to identify the effectiveness of various strategies for quitting vaping. The study found that text message-based interventions were particularly effective for young people aged 13 to 24. These programs combine motivational content with tips on quitting and social norms, showing promise as a tool to help younger users break the habit.
Prescription medication, namely varenicline, was also found to be potentially helpful for adults trying to quit vaping. However, the researchers note that due to the limited number of studies available, the evidence for both approaches is of low certainty and requires further investigation.
“For now, healthcare professionals can recommend these initial approaches, particularly for younger people looking to quit vaping,” says Butler. “However, it’s clear that more research is needed to explore and refine these methods.”
The text-message interventions, in particular, appear to resonate with young users, who may face unique challenges in overcoming nicotine dependency. The approach has gained traction as a way to provide on-the-go support through motivational messages, quitting tips, and encouragement.
As vaping continues to rise in popularity, particularly among young people who have never smoked, the need for effective quitting strategies becomes even more urgent. Hartmann-Boyce emphasizes that the research is still in its early stages, with more studies underway to assess the effectiveness of these and other interventions.
“This is a living, systematic review, and we will continue to search for new evidence each month to update the findings,” says Hartmann-Boyce. “The issue of vaping and quitting is rapidly evolving, and we want to ensure that healthcare professionals have access to the best, most up-to-date strategies.”
As the new year begins, those who are ready to quit vaping have a new set of potential tools at their disposal. With ongoing research and evolving methods, hope remains for those who seek to live a healthier, vape-free life.
