A new study highlights the potential of tailored treatments to help young people quit e-cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes pose significant health risks, including nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful substances.
Researchers followed 261 participants aged 16-25 in a randomized clinical trial. The study aimed to determine the best approach to help them quit vaping. Participants were divided into three groups: nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with counseling, prescription medication with counseling, and counseling alone.
The treatment lasted for 12 weeks, followed by another 12 weeks of monitoring. The study revealed that individuals receiving NRT had a higher success rate in quitting e-cigarettes compared to those receiving counseling alone. After 12 weeks, 51% in the NRT group quit vaping, compared to 14% in the medication group and 6% in the counseling group. After 24 weeks, 28% in the NRT group quit, compared to 7% in the medication group and 4% in the counseling group.
These findings underscore the importance of assisting young people addicted to nicotine in quitting e-cigarettes. NRT can be a viable and safe option for young people seeking to overcome e-cigarette addiction. The lead researcher, Dr. Eden Evins, emphasized the significant increase in e-cigarette use among youth and the need for new, effective treatments.
Dr. Randi Schuster noted that NRT was not only effective but also safe in this age group. The key takeaway is that any intervention to help young people quit vaping is crucial. The results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).