E Cigs Aid Cessation More Than NRT

NRT, Nicotine replacement therapy, quit smoking

Want to quit smoking? Find it hard but don’t know how to get over the cravings and give up for good? There are more ways to give up smoking than you might expect. You might be surprised to find that e cigarettes are almost twice as effective when compared to NRT (Nicotine replacement therapy). We are sure that there is an effective method to help you quit too if that is your goal.

Is Giving Up Smoking That Hard?

It is, unfortunately. A common misconception is that you just need willpower and want to quit to be able to do it. That is rarely the case, however. Anyone who can effectively go “cold turkey” and simply stop smoking is in the minority.

When stopping smoking you are losing several habits or actions. You may have found these calming, relaxing and enjoyable, even subconsciously. The obvious withdrawal concerns nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance. When you stop using nicotine-containing products you feel withdrawal-like symptoms and heightened cravings. Physical habits such as having something to do with your hands and the familiar inhale/exhale action are hard to walk away from.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy helps with some of this. E cigarettes and e liquids help with all of this and more. The best approach to quitting depends on the individual. It makes sense to learn about your options, to see what tends to work most effectively and then take it from there.

What is Nicotine Therapy Treatment (NRT)

NRT is offered by GP services and dedicated NHS Stop Smoking services, as well as being available over the counter in some instances. NRT products include mini inhalers, patches, gums, tablets and other options.

For those looking to replace the nicotine they were previously used to when smoking tobacco cigarettes, NRT is very useful. For many, this helps curb the cravings which can drive the most earnest of quitters back to cigarettes.

E Cigarettes Aid Cessation More Than NRT: The Study

Queen Mary University in London recently published findings in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding a vaping and cessation-related study. The conclusion of this study was very interesting. It found that e cigarettes are almost twice as likely to help someone quit smoking long term than NRT.

Participants in the e cigarette portion trial were given a choice of e cig devices and e liquids to use to find something they were comfortable with. These were then used alongside a four-week behaviour modification course. Those using NRT were again able to choose and undertook the same course. This is a similar set-up to how a Stop Smoking clinic might work, using NRT alongside group counselling and habit-breaking tips.

The study also showed that the choice of e cigarette devices to participants appeared important. The TPD which oversees the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and e cigarettes in the EU have put strict restrictions in place on e liquids and tank sizes. It was noted that limiting e juice, nicotine levels and tank sizes, therefore restricting vaping options, could make it less effective as a cessation aid for some people.

Thankfully there are so many e liquid choices, flavours, strengths and more still available. For those who might really struggle with not being able to enjoy higher nicotine levels(previous high volume smokers), there is always the option to investigate short fill e liquids.

E Cigarettes and NRT Compared: In Conclusion

Giving up smoking is not easy. The benefits of quitting however are many. To achieve a permanent smoke-free life, how you choose to quit smoking could make all the difference. Hopefully, this blog post will help you make an informed decision that is right for you.