Vaping cessation methods
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Overview of Vaping Cessation Methods
Vaping cessation is an emerging area of public health, with increasing numbers of people—especially youth and young adults—seeking to quit e-cigarettes. Research on effective methods is still developing, but several approaches have been studied, including behavioral, digital, and pharmacological interventions, as well as peer and self-guided strategies Heshmati2025Dai2023Struik2021+5 MORE.
Behavioral and Digital Interventions for Vaping Cessation
Behavioral interventions, such as counseling and contingency management (providing incentives for abstinence), have shown promise, particularly when delivered via telehealth or digital platforms. Young adults in pilot studies found telehealth-based behavioral programs feasible and acceptable, with some evidence of increased abstinence rates compared to control groups Heshmati2025Palmer2022. Social media-based interventions, like those delivered on Instagram, are also being tested for their ability to engage adolescents and young adults, with outcomes including abstinence, reduction in vaping, and increased readiness to quit Lyu2022Rahman2024.
Digital tools, including mobile apps, text messaging, and online forums, are increasingly used for vaping cessation. These tools provide personalized support and are especially popular among youth, who often prefer digital and peer-supported approaches Dai2023Struik2021Amin2023+1 MORE. Gradual reduction of nicotine content using personal devices and distraction techniques (such as hobbies or mindfulness) are common self-guided strategies discussed in online communities .
Peer, Family, and Unassisted Quitting
Many adolescents and young adults attempt to quit vaping without formal support, relying on unassisted quitting or peer support. In a large national survey, most adolescent vapers who tried to quit did so without any resources, while others turned to friends, the internet, mobile apps, or parental support. Sociodemographic factors, such as gender and ethnicity, influenced the choice of cessation method Dai2023Rahman2024. Sharing the quitting journey with peers and being inspired by others’ experiences were identified as important facilitators for successful cessation Struik2021Rahman2024.
Pharmacological Interventions and Clinical Guidelines
There is currently no approved pharmacological treatment specifically for vaping cessation. Some guidelines suggest that smoking cessation medications and protocols may be reasonable to apply, but there is no direct evidence or guidance for their use in vaping cessation Heshmati2025Kundu2023Khangura2021. Most research and recommendations focus on behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, adapted from smoking cessation literature, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish their effectiveness for vaping Heshmati2025Kundu2023Khangura2021.
Effectiveness and Research Gaps
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicate that vaping cessation interventions can increase short-term abstinence rates, but the certainty of evidence is moderate to low, and long-term effectiveness remains unclear Heshmati2025Amin2023Kundu2023. Most studies have small sample sizes, varied methods, and inconsistent outcome measures, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. There is also a lack of research on interventions for dual users of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes Heshmati2025Amin2023Kundu2023.
Conclusion
Vaping cessation methods include behavioral counseling, digital interventions, peer and self-guided strategies, and, to a lesser extent, pharmacological approaches adapted from smoking cessation. Digital and peer-supported methods are especially valued by youth and young adults. However, there is a need for more high-quality, long-term studies to determine the most effective interventions and to develop evidence-based guidelines tailored specifically for vaping cessation Heshmati2025Dai2023Struik2021+6 MORE.
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