Nicotine replacement therapy for vaping cessation among mono and dual users: A mixed methods preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Limited empirically tested interventions exist for adult e-cigarette cessation.
• Adults express significant interest in quitting vaping due to various concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate adult e-cigarette users' reasons for cessation.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for vaping cessation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with adult daily e-cigarette users.
• Participants were randomized to NRT (patches and lozenges) plus a booklet or Quitline referral.
• Feasibility, acceptability, and 7-day point-prevalence abstinence were assessed.

Main Results:

• Participants cited health concerns, dependence, stigma, and cost as reasons for quitting.
• NRT was feasible and acceptable, with few reported adverse effects.
• 33.3% of participants in the NRT group achieved vaping abstinence versus 0% in the control group (p=.057).

Conclusions:

• Adults are motivated to quit e-cigarettes and are willing to use pharmacotherapy.
• NRT is a potential tool for e-cigarette cessation, warranting further investigation in larger trials.
• Future research should address dual users and disseminate effective treatments.