Can E-Cigarettes Help People Quit Smoking
By Kristen Fischer
A new study puts electronic cigarettes on the map as not only a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, but as a step toward stopping smoking altogether.
When Annie Strack’s best friend wanted to quit smoking and suggested trying electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, Strack decided to lend her support. After hearing that the cigarettes did not contain as many harmful chemicals or additives as tobacco cigarettes and could still give them the fix of smoking, the women each purchased a month’s supply of nicotine cartridges and decided to give it a shot.
After about 30 years of smoking more than a pack a day, Strack began smoking only the e-cigarettes.
“I found them to be extremely strong, and they have a terrible taste,” recalled Strack, a Pennsylvania-based artist who satisfied her nicotine cravings in just a few e-cigarette puffs a day. “I was able to taper off and then quit completely before my initial supply ran out. The terrible taste of the e-cigs was an added incentive to help me quit.”
Her friend was not able to kick the habit, but Strack said it worked wonders for her.
E-cigarettes, for the uninitiated, are battery-powered devices resembling cigarettes that combine chemicals, nicotine and vapor to create the look and feel of smoking.
Between 2009 and 2012, the number of American smokers dropped from 20.6 percent to 18 percent. Even as smoking is on the decline, more products are emerging to help smokers quit the habit—and a new study puts e-cigarettes on the map as a possible solution.
HOW THEY WORK
In a recent study, Italian researchers found that nearly 13 percent of smokers who switched to e-cigarettes did not intend to quit but wound up doing so by the end of the trial. Dr. Keith Ablow, a psychiatry expert, is working on a trial of about 15 participants who had a desire to quit smoking, but had no set plan to stop. “All I asked them to do was switch because I think they’re safer [than traditional cigarettes],” Ablow said. Approximately 80 percent of the participants have stopped smoking.
E-cigarettes are successful in smoking cessation because they are convenient, Ablow said. They also save smokers time and money compared to traditional cigarettes. He said a smoker with an e-cigarette is like an anxiety patient that keeps anti-anxiety medication on hand -- sometimes, just knowing it’s there is comfort enough.
“Without trying to create a smoking cessation device… they did. For a doctor, this is like a secret weapon,” Ablow said.
ARE E-CIGARETTES SAFER?
E-cigarettes contain potentially harmful substances, but are not typically as concentrated as traditional cigarettes, nor do they contain the additives.
“If an adult smoker were to switch from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes, they would avoid approximately 6,000 carcinogenic substances,” said Dr. Paul M. Cinciripini, a smoking cessation expert at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Both Ablow and Cinciripini would like to see larger-scale trials. Ablow said it could save on health care spending.
“I think this is the most powerful way to switch off of tobacco that we have ever had,” Ablow added. “There is no better alternative.”
But Dr. Richard Thurer, professor at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer System at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said e-cigarettes perpetuate nicotine addiction and its risks. He cited a recent study in which e-cigarette users experienced airway resistance, which could have a dangerous effect...especially on those with coronary artery disease.
“E-cigarettes should not be viewed as a ‘healthier’ alternative,” Thurer warned.
THE REGULATORY PATH
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation therapy, but it intends to propose extending its authority over them, according to FDA spokeswoman Jenny Haliski. She said more research is needed to assess their benefits and risks.
For ex-smokers like Strack, who credit e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation solution, they don’t need more proof.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
Downloads
- What is a Smoking Addiction
- Why is Smoking Addictive
- How Smoking Affects the Body
- Benefits of Giving Up Smoking
- Help With Giving Up Smoking
- How Passive Smoking Hurts
- Smoking and Pregnancy
- Effects of Smoking
- Genetic differences help explain cigarette addiction
- Getting the best treatment for smoking addiction
Quotes
"As smoking is to the lungs, so is resentment to the soul; even one puff is bad for you."
Elizabeth
MoreSend us your QuotesTips & Hints
Write a list of the reasons why you want to stop
Keep the list with you and refer to it when tempted to light up. By write down the reasons why smoking is so harmful, the benefits of s...MoreSet a date for stopping, and stop completely
Some people prefer the idea of cutting down gradually. However, research has shown that if you smoke fewer cigarettes than usual, you a...MoreTell everyone that you are giving up smoking
Friends and family often give support and may help you. Smoking by others in the household makes giving up harder. If appropriate, try ...MoreDon't despair if you fail
Examine the reasons why you felt it was more difficult at that particular time. It will make you stronger next time. On average, people...MoreAnticipate when you are most likely to want to smoke
In particular, drinking alcohol is often associated with failing in an attempt to stop smoking. You should consider not drinking much a...More More Tips & Hints
