Published 2 days ago • loading... • Updated 2 days ago

Are smokers who take up vaping less likely to relapse?

In a new analysis led by QMUL, scientists report vapers are 25% less likely to start smoking again, providing first evidence continuing e-cigarette use may reduce relapse risk.
The research team conducted a secondary analysis of their landmark trial of 886 smokers that compared e-cigarettes with nicotine replacement therapies, measuring relapse between four weeks and one year and between six months and one year across the e-cigarette and NRT arms.
Persisting nicotine-product use differs sharply between NRT and e-cigarette quitters, as only a small share of smokers who quit with NRT continue use, while many who quit with e-cigarettes continue vaping.
Experts noted that the study suggests ongoing vaping may lower relapse risk, supporting smokefree support and relapse-prevention policy, but further research is needed to confirm the finding.
Scientists called for longer follow-up studies as uncertainty over vaping and relapse remains, since the researchers say the protective effect beyond post-quit measurement windows is unclear.

Insights by Ground AI