What happens when you stop vaping
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Effects of Stopping Vaping: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Vaping Cessation
Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), has become a widespread alternative to traditional smoking. However, the effects of stopping vaping are multifaceted and can vary significantly among individuals. This article synthesizes current research to provide a clear understanding of what happens when individuals stop vaping.
Relapse to Smoking
Increased Risk of Relapse
One of the most significant findings is the increased risk of relapse to smoking among those who stop vaping. A longitudinal study found that 18% of former smokers who stopped vaping relapsed to smoking within 12 months, compared to a 2% relapse rate among those who continued vaping1. This suggests that vaping may play a crucial role in preventing relapse to traditional smoking.
Nicotine Dependence and Relapse
Former smokers who switch to vaping often do so because of their nicotine dependence. Research indicates that these individuals report higher levels of cigarette smoking dependence both before and after cessation compared to non-vapers. However, they also report greater confidence in their ability to stay quit8. This highlights the complex relationship between nicotine dependence and the use of vaping as a cessation tool.
Well-Being and Stress Management
Mixed Effects on Well-Being
The impact of stopping vaping on well-being is mixed. A study examining ex-smokers' well-being found that 51.8% reported positive effects after quitting smoking, while 27.3% reported at least one negative effect2. Interestingly, those who continued to vape reported better stress management compared to those who quit all nicotine use5. This suggests that while stopping vaping may have some negative effects on well-being, it can also lead to improvements over time.
Coping with Stress
Vapers who quit smoking but continue to use e-cigarettes report better stress management and perceived day-to-day health compared to those who quit all nicotine use5. This indicates that vaping may help some individuals manage stress more effectively, which could be a factor in their decision to continue vaping.
Physical Health Concerns
Lung Health and Physical Symptoms
Many individuals report quitting vaping due to negative physical consequences, particularly related to lung health. Common symptoms include a tight chest and other respiratory issues7. These physical health concerns are significant motivators for individuals to stop vaping.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are a major barrier to quitting vaping. Users often experience intense cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, which can make cessation challenging7. This is similar to the withdrawal symptoms experienced by those quitting traditional cigarettes, indicating that nicotine dependence plays a significant role in both behaviors.
Social and Psychological Factors
Social Benefits and Stress Reduction
Social benefits and stress reduction are common reasons for both vaping and smoking. However, the enjoyment of flavors and the convenience of vaping are unique factors that make quitting vaping particularly challenging for some individuals10. Understanding these social and psychological factors is crucial for developing effective cessation interventions.
Persistent Worries About Health
Despite quitting smoking, many ex-smokers continue to worry about the long-term health effects of their past smoking habits. This persistent worry can reduce the experienced benefits of quitting and may influence their decision to continue vaping2.
Conclusion
Stopping vaping can lead to a range of outcomes, from increased risk of relapse to smoking to mixed effects on well-being and stress management. Physical health concerns and withdrawal symptoms are significant barriers to cessation, while social and psychological factors also play a crucial role. Understanding these diverse effects is essential for developing effective interventions to support individuals in their journey to quit vaping.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Electronic Cigarette: A Longitudinal Study of Regular Vapers
After 12 months, enjoyment and relapse prevention were the most important reasons to vape, with low relapse rates in former smokers and high quit rates in current smokers.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalExperienced Effects on Well-Being following Smoking Cessation: Findings from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Quitting smoking improves well-being more than declines, with more positive effects observed over time, but daily vaping use does not significantly impact well-being, except for better stress coping among vapers.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalOnline Searches for Quitting Vaping During the 2019 Outbreak of E‐cigarette or Vaping Product Use‐Associated Lung Injury
During the 2019 EVALI outbreak, internet searches for quitting e-cigarettes/vaping increased, potentially due to health concerns and state bans on sales.
Observational StudyUse of Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Aid: A Review of Clinical Trials
Vaping is an effective method for smoking cessation and is associated with a lower risk of adverse events compared to combustible cigarettes.
Systematic ReviewPerceived health and capacity to cope with stress in recent ex-smokers: Impact of vaping vs quitting all nicotine.
Continued nicotine use via e-cigarettes may initially improve stress management and perceived health in recent ex-smokers, but long-term health effects require further research.
Observational StudyVaping among youth: reasons, realization and intention to quit
Realization of excessive vaping among young adults is positively associated with intention to quit vaping, while marketing cues and alternative to smoking positively influence their intention to quit vaping.
e-Cigarette Cessation: Content Analysis of a Quit Vaping Community on Reddit
E-cigarette users prefer gradual reduction and use distraction techniques, such as hobbies and mindfulness, to quit, with barriers being withdrawal symptoms and addiction intensity.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalIndicators of cigarette smoking dependence and relapse in former smokers who vape compared with those who do not: Findings from the 2016 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey.
Former smokers who vape nicotine daily report higher levels of cigarette smoking dependence, but also greater confidence in staying quit and similar urges to smoke compared to non-vapers.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalQuitNic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Nicotine Vaping Products With Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation Following Residential Detoxification
Nicotine vaping products and nicotine replacement therapy are highly acceptable and effective in smoking cessation after residential detoxification.
RCTIs vaping cessation like smoking cessation? A qualitative study exploring the responses of youth and young adults who vape e-cigarettes.
Vaping and smoking share some barriers and reasons for quitting, but understanding perceived differences is crucial for developing effective vaping cessation interventions for young people.
Observational Study