E-cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than standard nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like gum and lozenges, according to a randomized controlled trial from the University of Sydney. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, highlight the potential of vaping as a key substitution tool, particularly for disadvantaged populations who are disproportionately affected by tobacco-related harms.
The trial involved 1,045 daily smokers from disadvantaged backgrounds who were willing to attempt quitting. Participants were randomly assigned to either a vaping group, which received an eight-week supply of nicotine e-liquid, or an NRT group, which received nicotine gum or lozenges for the same period. All participants also received text message support.
The results showed a significant difference in success rates. The 6-month continuous abstinence rate was **28.4% in the vaping group**, compared to just **9.6% in the standard NRT group**. Further analysis confirmed that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes were consistently more effective than other nicotine replacement devices, regardless of age and gender. This trial reinforces the potential of nicotine e-cigarettes as a superior smoking cessation strategy for adults looking to quit.
