New PLOS ONE systematic review finds vaping helps smokers quit

[DrMA]

«Six studies were included involving 7,551 participants. Meta-analyses included 1,242 participants who had complete data on smoking cessation. Nicotine filled e-cigarettes were more effective for cessation than those without nicotine (pooled Risk Ratio 2.29, 95%CI 1.05-4.97). Amongst 1,242 smokers, 224 (18%) reported smoking cessation after using nicotine-enriched e-cigarettes for a minimum period of six months. Use of such e-cigarettes was positively associated with smoking cessation with a pooled Effect Size of 0.20 (95%CI 0.11-0.28). Use of e-cigarettes was also associated with a reduction in the number of cigarettes used.»

PLOS ONE: E-Cigarettes and Smoking Cessation: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

 

[DC2]

I can't believe it was only 18% across the studies they reviewed...
But the studies were all probably using nothing but cigalikes, with no instruction or support...

 

[Tache]

I found that really low as well. My empirical observation has been more in the 60+% range.

 

[Mossy]

Even though it is only a 20% or so that stopped completely it is still double current NRT products.

This I thought was a good paragraph

"Another key finding of our study is that use of e-cigarettes was associated with a reduction in the number of cigarettes used, which is important in light of the substantial body of evidence demonstrating that gradual reduction in cigarette consumption aids future quit attempts.[36–38] This indicates a potential role for e-cigarettes in tobacco harm reduction programs, in addition to a possible role as an alternative smoking cessation tool. It also suggests that in these cases at least, dual use of e-cigarettes does not necessarily perpetuate or exacerbate smokers’ tobacco addiction and use, as some public health researchers have warned."

 

[AndriaD]

I can't believe it was only 18% across the studies they reviewed...
But they were all probably nothing but cigalikes, and no instruction or support...

Still at least twice as effective as any other NRT. Maybe 6 times more effective? (think I read that other NRT are anywhere from 3% to 10% effective...?)

Andria

 

[OCD]

Have to chime in with an agreement that the low numbers are likely skewed by poor performing devices and that speaks volumes. If a poor performing device can put up those kind of numbers then what the hell is the world thinkin in not supporting better devices.

You dont have to go full on low ohm fog producing to step up to a satisfying vaping experience that is ten times better than a cigalike, close enough to a cigarette and much more likely to produce a much higher transfer of smoker to vaper.

It would take less than three years to diminish tobacco cigarettes to level where they are not profitable to manufacture on a mass scale if both sides of this battle would only represent the truth and work towards a safer alternative to a vice that will never be completely vanquished.

 

[Tache]

Have to chime in with an agreement that the low numbers are likely skewed by poor performing devices and that speaks volumes. If a poor performing device can put up those kind of numbers then what the hell is the world thinkin in not supporting better devices.

You dont have to go full on low ohm fog producing to step up to a satisfying vaping experience that is ten times better than a cigalike, close enough to a cigarette and much more likely to produce a much higher transfer of smoker to vaper.

It would take less than three years to diminish tobacco cigarettes to level where they are not profitable to manufacture on a mass scale if both sides of this battle would only represent the truth and work towards a safer alternative to a vice that will never be completely vanquished.

I think the reduction is already happening - take a look at the CDC youth smoking results. By my calculations there may already be an only a four or five percent rate in schools (if the assumption is that dual use often ends up in complete cessation).

At this point all that is left to argue about is the dramatic reduction in tobacco tax revenue to states, provinces and counties

 

[sofarsogood]

The people studying e-cigs pay no attention to differences in technology nor to how devices are used. If they were studying a medical treatment they would certainly not ignore these variables. E-cigs are a funding threat to ALL tax supported institutions because so many billions of dollars are collected. If ecigs crush the tobacco market there would be severely painful cutbacks in government spending and probably some bankruptcies. They must know by now that taxing ecigs can never replace a small fraction of tobacco revenues and trying to do that will create a new drug war.

 

[WattWick]

Given the same billion dollar "support apparatus" other quitting methods have - like doctors, pharmacies/cists, phone support lines, support groups, programs, etc - I'm sure quit rates would be significantly higher for ecigs.

Comparing quitting methods in a vacuum makes no sense. They don't all fight on equal terms.

 

[sofarsogood]

Quitting smoking is easy. Smokers do it 20 times a day. The problem is relapse. One of my relapses was after 10 years. I didn't quit "smoking". I found a way to avoid the harmful side effects. At some point I might attempt to stop vaping too. That would be easier knowing that a relapse would only be back to vaping. I'm sure I'm done with cigarettes. When I stand with smokers I have to stay upwind.

 

[caramel]

Does anyone have some solid, credible data on cold turkey after 1 year?