This Surprising Method Could Help You Quit Smoking Much Faster

If you’re a cigarette smoker and trying to stop, you’re far from alone. In fact, most adult cigarette smokers want to kick the habit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, half of adult smokers attempted to quit. The grim truth? Only one out of 10 was found to be successful in giving up the habit. This is typically due to the lack of access to treatments, advice, or additional support.

There are several methods smokers try in order to stop smoking, including patches, gum, and behavioral support. But a recent study noted there’s an approach that’s much more productive: E-cigarettes.

Nicotine E-Cigarettes Are One of the Most Effective Ways To Quit Smoking, New Research Says

E-cigarettes (vapes) usually contain nicotine. The device is battery-operated and heats up a liquid, producing an aerosol that's made up of tiny particles, according to the CDC. This e-cigarette aerosol is referred to as "vapor."

Nicotine e-cigarettes have become one of the most effective ways to quit smoking. In fact, the study’s results indicated that nicotine e-cigarettes lead to higher rates of quitting compared to other methods, including non-nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy, and more.

Researchers reviewed data between 2014 and 2023 and discovered “nicotine vapes outperform traditional methods like patches, gum, and even behavioral support. While some lower-quality studies produced mixed results, the strongest data clearly favored nicotine e-cigarettes” (per ScienceDaily). 

As part of the study, the team formed an “Evidence and Gap Map” to determine where additional research is necessary.

"We hope this overview and Evidence and Gap Map can lay to rest some claims that evidence is 'mixed' regarding the impacts of nicotine e-cigarettes on smoking abstinence. In fact, the evidence is clear and consistent across all of the meta-analyses we consulted: e-cigarettes are effective at helping people stop smoking,” said lead author Dr. Angela Difeng Wu, Senior Researcher and Lecturer at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

Cigarette Smoking Causes Over 480,000 Deaths Each Year

Tobacco usage can cause serious health challenges—and even early mortality—so it’s wise to stop. Smoking is the number one cause of deaths in the United States that could have been prevented. According to the CDC, 11.6% of adults in the country smoke cigarettes, and the habit results in over 480,000 deaths each year. It even impacts individuals exposed to secondhand smoke, resulting in 41,000 deaths.

Not only is smoking extremely unhealthy, but it’s also become a major expense for smokers. Research published in Bulletin World Health Organization in 2025 noted that an average adult smoker spends roughly 7.2% of their annual salary on cigarettes. 

The research provided this perspective: If a smoker began smoking cigarettes at 15 years of age, their life expectancy is reduced to 55 years. They will have smoked 217,752 cigarettes and spent $8,481 on cigarettes in their lifetime.

Having a goal to quit smoking is one of the absolute best things you can do for your overall wellness. Not only will you preserve your health and even boost your longevity, but you’ll also save a good amount of your annual salary in the process.