Some people think that vaping is an effective way to quit smoking. After all, vapes don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide—the two most harmful substances in cigarettes that can damage lung function and affect oxygen circulation. Unfortunately, our post “Unknown Chemicals Found in Vape Liquids and E-cig Aerosols” says otherwise.
An examination of four tobacco-flavored vape liquids revealed that these had nearly 2000 distinct chemical compounds—most of which were unknown. The study also discovered six potentially hazardous substances, including pesticides and industrial chemicals, that could cause respiratory irritation. Additional research from Tobacco Control discovered weak correlations between vaping and quitting cigarettes, finding that people who use vapes and e-cigarettes as a cessation aid are more likely to relapse.
That said, it’s probably not a good idea to pick up a vape if you want to quit smoking. Here are some alternatives you can consider instead:
Nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches are oral products that encase nicotine, flavorings, and pH adjusters in a small bag of plant-based fibers. These are tucked between your lip and gum for nicotine release. You can have one in your mouth for up to an hour before throwing it in the trash.
One of the best brands to try if you opt for pouches over vapes comes from Philip Morris’ parent company Altria. On! nicotine pouches come in various flavors similar to vape liquids, such as mint, citrus, and coffee. However, these deliver the same experience using different ingredients, including 100% tobacco-free nicotine. They also come in strengths ranging from 2 mg to 8 mg, which you can leverage if you wish to match your usual cigarette consumption and lower your nicotine dosage over time. You can get a can of 20 pouches for just under $4 online, so it’s also an affordable and accessible quitting aid you can try.
Nicotine nasal spray
Nicotine nasal sprays are designed to deliver nicotine to the bloodstream after being quickly absorbed by your nasal walls. That makes them fast-acting products suitable for managing cigarette cravings and preventing relapse. Since they’re FDA-approved, they’re also certified to be safe to use.
If you’re interested in using these, you can try the Nicotrol nicotine nasal spray from Pfizer. You can take up to five doses of it per hour when you start feeling withdrawal symptoms. However, the manufacturer recommends that you don’t use it more than 40 times a day. You can only buy and use this nasal spray with a prescription, so consult your doctor to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Nicotine patches
These patches stick to your skin for nicotine delivery to your bloodstream. You can leave them on for up to 24 hours, allowing you to get a steady dose of nicotine throughout the day. Because of this, a National Library of Medicine study found that participants who used nicotine patches to quit smoking had an abstinence rate of 27% at the end of their treatment. That makes them effective enough to help you kick the habit.
A great patch brand to try is Habitrol, since it’s easily available in most general retail and drug stores. The brand offers patches in 7 mg, 14 mg, and 21 mg options. They even use time-release technology to deliver nicotine at slow and regular intervals. Like all nicotine patches, they’re also discreet enough to go under your clothing, so you can wear a patch consistently—even at work or during formal events—to help you curb withdrawal symptoms and quit successfully.
Nicotine lozenges
Similar to nicotine pouches, nicotine lozenges are oral products. What’s different is that these melt in your mouth for nicotine absorption. Research posted on Cochrane reveals that using lozenges along with nicotine patches can make it 17% to 37% more likely for an individual to stop smoking.
You can get your nicotine lozenges from Nicorette, which was one of the first brands to introduce nicotine replacement products to the market in the ’70s. You’ll find that it offers many flavors and strengths, including options for mint and cherry options and lozenges that contain either 2 mg or 4 mg doses of nicotine. Since they melt in your mouth, they’re easy to use whenever you feel your cravings are creeping up—such as when walking or during social events. You can get nicotine lozenges at convenience stores and supermarkets.
Studies show that vaping is an ineffective way to quit smoking. Instead, try one of the products above to help you successfully ditch cigarettes.
Also Read: What Is the Difference Between Smoking and Eating Cannabis?
