Vaping: an effective way to quit tobacco
Unlike their British counterparts, the French health authorities are still not convinced that vaping can help people quit tobacco. The reason for this is a lack of reliable studies on the effectiveness of the e-cigarette. The situation may soon change, however, after a new study’s initial results confirm the e-cigarette’s numerous benefits. Indeed, e-cigarettes are currently the most effective nicotine substitute around.
Does vaping actually help people quit smoking? Up until now, there has been no clear answer to this oft-debated question, but a new scientific study has shown promising results. CRIVAPE (Center for Research and Innovation for Vaping) and Strasbourg’s CHU are working together to find an answer.
This public-private partnership has resulted in a major clinical study on electronic cigarettes. Numerous specialists gathered to work on the project, with the goal of understanding whether or not vaping can help people quit smoking. Initial results suggest that this method of ingesting nicotine is just as effective—and far less harmful—as traditional cigarettes.
An extremely fast nicotine-delivery method
The pharmacokinetics of nicotine (how it is absorbed in the body) is at the heart of this recent study. The tests showed that peak absorption occurs after two minutes. Other nicotine substitutes on the market, such as nicotine gum or patches, are only absorbed after 30 minutes, and the rapid delivery of nicotine through vaping is much closer to mimicking the effects of traditional cigarettes.
The study’s results show two important things: first, former smokers have a much higher chance of not feeling withdrawal symptoms with e-cigarettes. Secondly, one of Big Tobacco’s main arguments is simply false: the electronic cigarette delivers nicotine just as quickly as traditional cigarettes, all while being far less dangerous.
Phase 1 of the study was carried out from September 2024 to July 2018. For Sebastien Roux, the director of Crivape, the study proves that quitting smoking with the help of vaping is possible. The next steps in the project are now eagerly awaited … could this be a first step towards finally acknowledging the e-cigarette’s effectiveness in helping smokers with their addiction?
