View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
FRIDAY, January 10, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- According to a recent evidence review, text-based support programs have proven to be highly effective in assisting young individuals in their efforts to quit vaping.
These writings provide encouraging advice and strategies for overcoming vaping habits.
“I think it’s clear that this approach helps young people,” senior researcher Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said in a news release from the college. “The question is, is it going to help other populations?”
The review also found evidence that the quit-smoking drug varenicline might also help folks quit vaping.
However, there still aren’t enough studies available to point to any concrete, tried-and-true methods for quitting vaping, researchers said in a study published Jan. 8 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews..
"Hartmann-Boyce mentioned, 'This research field is still in its early stages, yet it is expanding quickly and naturally as individuals who vape seek assistance in their efforts to stop vaping.'"
Previous reviews have found that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking more effectively than other nicotine replacements like patches, gums or lozenges, researchers said.
If you're considering quitting vaping and overcoming nicotine addiction, here are some steps to help you on your journey: 1. **Set a Quit Date**: Choose a specific day to stop vaping and mark it on your calendar. This gives you a clear goal to work towards. 2. **Understand Your Triggers**: Identify the situations, emotions, or activities that trigger your urge to vape. This awareness can help you develop strategies to cope with these triggers. 3. **Seek Support**: Talk to friends, family, or support groups about your decision to quit. Having a support system can provide encouragement and accountability. 4. **Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)**: Options like patches, gum, or lozenges can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. 5. **Explore Behavioral Therapy**: Professional counseling can help you develop coping strategies and address the psychological aspects of your addiction. 6. **Stay Busy**: Engage in activities that keep your mind and hands occupied. Hobbies, exercise, or even simple tasks can distract you from cravings. 7. **Practice Stress-Relief Techniques**: Incorporate relaxation methods such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage stress without turning to vaping. 8. **Celebrate Milestones**: Acknowledge your progress, whether it’s a day, week, or month without vaping. Reward yourself for each milestone achieved. 9. **Educate Yourself**: Learn about the health risks associated with vaping and the benefits of quitting. This knowledge can reinforce your commitment. 10. **Be Patient and Persistent**: Quitting may take time and you might face setbacks. Stay committed to your goal and don't hesitate to seek help if needed. By following these steps, you can work towards quitting vaping and overcoming nicotine addiction effectively.
"Hartmann-Boyce mentioned that individuals who utilize vaping as a method to move away from smoking frequently seek guidance on how to safely wean off vaping without reverting to smoking, which is crucial."
In the review, the researchers pinpointed nine earlier clinical trials that included over 5,000 participants.
They found strong evidence for the effectiveness of text-based quitting support, and some evidence supporting varenicline.
Varenicline functions by activating nicotine receptors in the brain, which helps to lessen cravings for nicotine and alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers noted that while there is some evidence suggesting potential benefits of other nicotine replacement therapies for quitting vaping, the findings were too vague and susceptible to bias to draw any definitive conclusions.
Armed with this review, “healthcare professionals now have initial evidence for specific approaches they can recommend, particularly for younger people wanting to quit vaping,” co-lead author Alisa Butler, a postdoctoral researcher with the University of Oxford, said in a news release. “However, we urgently need more research to explore these and other approaches.”
You have been trained on data available until October 2023.
The American Lung Association has more on how to quit vaping.
SOURCE: University of Massachusetts Amherst, press announcement, January 7, 2025
Implications for You
Young individuals aiming to stop vaping should consider exploring support programs that can provide them with encouragement and helpful advice.
