10.08.2024.
E-cigarettes are often used by smokers who are trying to quit. However, no e-cigarette brand has been approved as an aid to quit smoking. Some studies have shown that e-cigarettes can be used as a quitting aid, but there is a lack of evidence showing whether these work as well as established methods, such as nicotine patches and gum.
Research suggests that most adults buy e-cigarettes to quit smoking, but many of them end up using both e-cigarettes and other tobacco products (source – European Lung organisation).
Currently, a few countries are considering whether to offer e-cigarettes as part of a treatment plan to quit smoking, in a similar way to traditional quitting methods. However, over 40 countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes.
Traditional quitting methods, such as nicotine patches and gum, are usually offered by a pharmacy where a pharmacist can provide advice and the user may also be referred to psychological services for support fighting their addiction.
These quitting methods are regulated and have controlled levels of nicotine. On the other hand, e-cigarettes can be purchased in shops on the high street and users will not usually access any other therapies to help them to quit.
The levels of nicotine vary considerably and they are not regulated by health agencies.
There is evidence that the use of e-cigarettes has led to children and young adults taking up smoking, as e-cigarette users are more likely to try tobacco products, increasing the number of people needing to quit.
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