Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking

In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a very popular stop smoking aid in the UK.

Also known as vapes or e-cigs, they’re far less harmful than cigarettes, and can help you quit smoking for good.

They are not recommended for non-smokers and cannot be sold to people under 18 years old.

What are e-cigarettes and how do they work?

An e-cigarette is a device that allows you to inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than smoke.

E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke.

They work by heating a liquid (called an e-liquid) that typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings.

Using an e-cigarette is known as vaping.

Will vaping help me stop smoking?

Many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette. There’s evidence that they can be effective.

A 2021 review found people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking, as well as having expert face-to-face support, can be up to twice as likely to succeed as people who used other nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum.

Using an e-cigarette can help you manage your nicotine cravings. To get the best out of it, make sure you’re using it as much as you need to and with the right strength of nicotine in your e-liquid.

You will not get the full benefit from vaping unless you stop smoking cigarettes completely.

Getting expert help from your local Stop Smoking Service gives you the best chance of quitting smoking for good.

How do I choose the right e-cigarette for me?

There are different types of e-cigarette, including vape pens, vape bars, pod devices, mods, and cigalikes. They can be rechargeable or disposable.

It’s also important to choose the right strength of nicotine in your e-liquid, which will depend on how much you smoke. You can get advice on models and e-liquids from a specialist vape shop.

Find out more about e-cigarettes, e-liquids and vaping to quit smoking on the Better Health website.