E-cigarettes may play a certain auxiliary role in the process of quitting smoking, but they are not completely effective or suitable for everyone. Their effects are controversial and accompanied by potential risks. The following is a specific analysis of its auxiliary role:
The possible mechanism of e-cigarette assistance in quitting smoking
Substitute nicotine intake
E-cigarettes usually contain nicotine, which can alleviate the dependence of smokers on nicotine and reduce withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability.
Simulate the feeling of smoking
The appearance and usage of e-cigarettes are similar to those of traditional cigarettes, which can bring a familiar feeling to smokers who want to quit, reduce psychological gap and meet the behavioral habits of smokers.
Reduce the intake of harmful substances
Compared with traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes reduce various harmful components such as tar and carbon monoxide, theoretically lowering the harm of smoking to the body.
Convenient for controlling the usage amount
By adjusting the parameters of e-cigarettes, the intake of nicotine can be gradually reduced to achieve gradual smoking cessation.
The effect of psychological suggestion
Make smokers feel that they are taking positive measures to get rid of cigarettes and enhance their confidence in quitting smoking.
The limitations of e-cigarette assistance in quitting smoking
It may intensify nicotine dependence
The nicotine content in many e-cigarettes is even higher than that in traditional cigarettes, which makes e-cigarettes not only fail to help people quit smoking, but may also aggravate nicotine dependence.
The effect of long-term smoking cessation is questionable
Although some studies suggest that e-cigarettes may reduce the use of traditional cigarettes in certain circumstances, in the long run, e-cigarettes cannot effectively prompt smokers to quit smoking completely. Many smokers will still return to traditional cigarettes after using e-cigarettes.
There are health risks.
During the use of e-cigarettes, harmful substances such as formaldehyde and nitrosamines may be produced, which pose a potential threat to human health. In addition, some additives in e-cigarettes may also cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
Professional advice
Use e-cigarettes with caution
For those who want to quit smoking through e-cigarettes, they should use them with caution and follow the treatment plan for quitting smoking under the guidance of a professional doctor.
Seek professional help to quit smoking
Drug-based smoking cessation (such as nicotine patches, nicotine chewings, etc.) has been proven to be more effective. For smokers who truly want to quit smoking, seeking help from a professional smoking cessation clinic is a wiser choice. Doctors can formulate appropriate smoking cessation plans based on individual conditions, provide scientific smoking cessation methods and medications, thereby increasing the success rate of smoking cessation.