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UK Study Confirms Vaping is the Most Effective Way to Quit Smoking
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UK Study Confirms Vaping is the Most Effective Way to Quit Smoking

An update to a previously released report in the UK states that vaping is positively associated with successfully quitting smoking. The report gives detailed numbers and statistics that prove the effectiveness of vaping over other methods. The figures used in collating the report came from nationally representative survey data. We will take a look at some of the figures presented in the report and show you why it is good news for vapers and those looking to become ex-smokers.


What Does the Report Say?

Unlike other administrations, the UK health service has consistently published guidance that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. It is promoted via the UK health service, which even states that the risks presented by vaping are fractional compared to smoking. They even include a short video showing the difference between cigarettes and e-cigs

There are several key pieces of information contained within the UK government report. The main upshot of the update is that, according to Public Health England, vaping continues to be one of the most effective ways to stop smoking permanently. Here are some key highlights from the report:

Vaping Is More Popular Than Other Nicotine Replacement Therapies

You don’t have to dig deep into the main findings of the report before finding something positive. The report states that:

“Using a vaping product is the most popular aid used by people trying to quit smoking”.

The report then states that, of those trying to quit smoking, vaping is the most used technique when held against other means such as nicotine gum or pharmaceutical intervention.

This is good news. 

As many who have tried to quit smoking using products such as Chantix will be aware, the side effects can be startling and sometimes dangerous. Side effects such as depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide have been reported in patients taking Chantix.

Vaping Is More Accessible and Effective Than Other Nicotine Replacement Therapies

The report states

Vaping products may reach more people who smoke and so have more impact than NRT.”

While the UK does have certain restrictions around vaping, there are many means for users to acquire the products they need. Mail order or simple brick and mortar shops provide various products, flavors, strengths, and brands. 

The report indicates that by being accessible, smokers find it easier to quit by having ready access to vaping products. Those who are looking to inhibit people’s access to vape products should take note.

People Looking to Quit Smoking Should Have Access to Different Options

Point number three of the main findings suggest that having access to a range of smoking cessation aids gives a positive outcome when it comes to stopping smoking. This point also mentions that prescription medication and other NRT’s can also be effective. 

While the above is true, if we refer back to the first point of the main findings, we can see that nearly double the number of quitters succeeded with vaping when held against traditional NRT’s (27% for vaping, 15% for other NRT’s)

Quit Rates Were Higher When Vaping Products Were Used.

The report was collated using survey information taken from around the country. While there was some variation in findings, certain areas saw huge success when using vaping to stop smoking. In some areas, it was as high as 78%!

The report also concedes that quit rates involving a vaping product were higher than any other method in every single region!

What’s the Bottom Line?

There are several figures and facts that act as a testament to the effectiveness of vaping found within the report. Here are the highlights, so you can see for yourself: –

  • In 2017 over 50,000 smokers stopped smoking. The report states that without vaping, it is likely these people would still be smokers. This finding is backed up by other studies in other countries.
  • In just under a year, of 221,678 people who set a quit date and used an electronic cigarette, over half had succeeded in not resuming smoking after a month. (In real terms, over 114,000 people stopped smoking for at least a month).
  • The number of habitual smokers in the UK continues to fall. And vaping prevalence was much lower than smoking prevalence across all groups.
  • The most common reason for people to vape was to quit smoking. 

What Does the Report Signify for Other Countries?

It is admirable that a Western Country is consistently reviewing evidence as to the effectiveness of vaping as a means to quit smoking. 

Interestingly, the report also found that vaping was more prevalent in disadvantaged groups. When presented with this evidence, countries that seek to limit vaping are perhaps punishing the citizens who need it the most?


Can Vaping Help to Quit Smoking? 

The numbers given in the report mentioned above speak for themselves. It is there in black and white.

Let’s repeat a fact stated by the report.

In the UK, in 2017, over 50,000 people stopped smoking using electronic cigarettes. 

Had vaping not been available, these people would still be smoking. 

Considering evidence from the World Health Organization that smoking kills half of its users, one could reliably state that 25,000 lives have been saved in one country in that year alone! It only takes rudimentary math knowledge to appreciate how effective this could be against the 8 million smoking-related deaths worldwide every year. 


Why is Vaping Better than Smoking?

When conventional tobacco is burned, it releases several lethal compounds. This includes chemicals such as: –

  • Formaldehyde 
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Ammonia
  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Hydrogen Cyanide

Lighting up doesn’t sound so great after all, does it?

When looking at vaping, there is no combustion. A heating element vaporizes a simple solution of glycerin, flavorings, and optional nicotine. Because there is no combustion produced in an electronic cigarette, there is an absence of these harmful chemicals.

In short, it is the tar and other toxic chemicals produced by cigarettes that cause people real issues. These aren’t present in electronic cigarettes.


In Summary

In the vaping world, one hasn’t had to look far to see the industry being (unjustly) attacked from all sides. It is refreshing to see an official government body recognize the benefits of vaping as a valuable tool to stop smoking. The report review makes for interesting reading and should give other bodies, less pro vaping, some food for thought. Vaping is an effective way to stop smoking and represents less harm. The numbers in the report need no embellishment to demonstrate how effective vaping can be when trying to quit smoking.

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Jamie Gann

Jamie is a Staff Writer for Versed Vaper with nearly 10 years of industry experience. After being a smoker for several years, Jamie discovered vaping when a friend bought him his first setup. Before joining the team, he spent three years as the Manager of a local vape shop, gaining practical experience with everything from pod vapes to rebuildable atomizers. He has also previously worked as a freelance writer for other tech and vaping media websites. Jamie now uses his knowledge and experience to educate others through his reviews. You’ll find Jamie on the weekend, toolkit in hand, surrounded by box mods, wicks, and wires, trying to get the perfect cloud.

1 comment

  • the best UK video if you have not seen it is vaping demystified by Yorkshire Cancer Research. free to view on youtube.