Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Electronic cigarettes may help smokers abstain from tobacco products
By Staff Writer
An electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that provides tobacco-less doses of nicotine through a vaporized solution. The results of a recent smoking study indicate that this device might be of assistance to individuals who seek substance abuse help for their addiction.
These findings were the result of a study led by researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health. A total of 222 first-time buyers of electronic cigarettes were surveyed online about the effects their purchase had on their smoking habit.
Of the study participants, 31 percent had quit smoking six months after purchasing their electronic cigarette. Approximately 67 percent of respondents said that they had reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked after using the device.
The six-month abstinence rates that follow electronic cigarette use are nearly double those of traditional nicotine replacement products, according to the researchers. In addition, they believe that the device's ability to physically simulate the smoking experience plays a role in an individual's success.
Despite a relatively low survey response rate of 4.5 percent, the researchers feel that these findings are the best evidence to date on the positive effects electronic cigarettes can have on smokers looking to kick their habit.
