Contrary to popular belief that vaping is a suitable smoking cessation tool, the University of Otago study revealed that it’s not as simple as it seems.
The study concluded that quitting via vaping is seldom straightforward because transitioning from smoking to Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) may involve a considerable period of dual-use. This dual should be actively sustained over several months.
However, Nancy Loucas, co-director of the Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA), pointed out that the researchers overlooked a critical factor when commenting on the study’s findings.
According to Loucas, vaping isn’t a straightforward way of quitting smoking because it varies from person to person.
Despite this, the University of Otago researchers fail to accept that vaping is still, by far, the most successful smoking cessation method in the world. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of continual individualized support.
She went on to say that between 2016 and 2018, the AVCA created and ran its own Vape It Forward (VIF) program, which had a phenomenal 83 percent cessation rate. VIF was a comprehensive mentorship program for adults who had unsuccessfully attempted to quit smoking using traditional approaches.
It demonstrated that comprehensive, all-encompassing help could be provided without regard to time constraints. According to her, there’s no reason to judge someone who uses both cigarettes and vapes before making the complete move. She stated that it isn’t a sign of failure; it’s simply part of the journey.