Study Finds Vapes & NRT Help Rehab Patients Quit Smoking

A new clinical trial led by Flinders University in Australia has found that providing a variety of nicotine replacement options, including vapes (e-cigarettes) or combination nicotine replacement therapy (cNRT) like patches and gum, significantly helps people leaving drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities stay smoke-free. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, is the first of its kind to directly compare these methods in this specific, high-risk population.

Researchers tracked over 360 adults exiting smoke-free detox programs. Participants were randomly given either a 12-week supply of vapes or a combination of traditional NRTs (patches, gum, lozenges, etc.). Both groups also received behavioral counseling from Quitline. At a nine-month follow-up, approximately 10% of participants in both the vape group and the cNRT group reported successfully abstaining from smoking – a notable achievement in a cohort where long-term quit rates are typically near zero.

Lead author Professor Billie Bonevski stated, “This isn’t about one therapy outperforming another—it’s about building a system that gives people the best chance to succeed.” She emphasized the importance of integrating smoking cessation fully into addiction recovery, as people with substance use disorders are more than twice as likely to smoke as the general population. The findings suggest that offering a choice of proven tools, whether vapes or traditional NRTs, alongside consistent behavioral support, is what matters most for helping this vulnerable group quit smoking and improve their long-term health.

• Press replease: Strategies for staying smoke-free after rehab

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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