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Research co-led by UMass Amherst explores effective strategies for quitting e-cigarettes
A groundbreaking study co-led by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has identified some of the most effective strategies for quitting vaping. Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the research highlights two promising approaches: varenicline, a prescription medication commonly used to aid in smoking cessation, and text message-based support programs. These methods appear to significantly assist people in their efforts to quit vaping, an issue that has become increasingly pressing as more individuals, especially young people, develop dependencies on e-cigarettes.
“This is an area of research that is in its infancy, but it’s growing rapidly,” says senior author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Cochrane editor. “Vapers are seeking help, and we’re beginning to understand that people who use vaping as a transition from smoking also need guidance on how to safely quit vaping without relapsing to smoking.”
Comparing the Effectiveness of Cessation Methods
The study’s findings are based on an analysis of nine randomized trials involving over 5,000 participants, and aim to evaluate the effectiveness of tools designed to help individuals quit vaping. Co-led by Nicola Lindson and Ailsa Butler at the University of Oxford, the research examines whether methods traditionally used to help people quit smoking, such as nicotine patches, gums, and lozenges, are equally effective for vaping cessation.
“Cochrane reviews have shown that e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation,” Hartmann-Boyce explains. “However, for individuals who started vaping without prior smoking habits—particularly young people—there is a need for targeted interventions to help them quit safely.”
Findings and Recommendations
The study found that text message-based programs, which offer a combination of motivational support, social norm reinforcement, and quitting tips, are particularly effective for young people aged 13 to 24. Furthermore, varenicline, a prescription medication proven to help people quit smoking, showed potential effectiveness for adults trying to quit vaping. However, the evidence supporting both approaches remains limited, and the study’s authors stress the need for further research to confirm their effectiveness.
“With the results of our Cochrane review, healthcare professionals now have initial evidence to recommend specific approaches for younger people wanting to quit vaping,” says co-author Ailsa Butler. “However, there is an urgent need for more research to explore these and other approaches to quitting.”
Future Directions for Research
The text message-based intervention, in particular, shows promise for young individuals but raises the question of whether it will prove effective for other demographic groups. Hartmann-Boyce notes that more studies are underway, and that vaping cessation research will remain a priority for Cochrane, with ongoing updates to the review as new evidence emerges.
“This is a living, systematic review,” says Hartmann-Boyce. “We’re actively searching for new evidence and will continue to update the review monthly to keep pace with evolving research in this field.”
As vaping continues to rise in popularity, particularly among youth, the findings of this study offer hope for developing more effective tools to help individuals quit and regain control of their health.
Reference: “Interventions for quitting vaping” by Ailsa R. Butler, Nicola Lindson, Jonathan Livingstone-Banks, Caitlin Notley, Tari Turner, Nancy A. Rigotti, Thomas R. Fanshawe, Lynne Dawkins, Rachna Begh, Angela Difeng Wu, Leonie Brose, Monserrat Conde, Erikas Simonavičius, and Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, 8 January 2025, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD016058.pub2
