Quit smoking with electronic cigarettes?
On call
I have tried to quit smoking many times without success. Are electronic cigarettes a good way to help break the habit?Most research of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool are not rigorous placebo-controlled studies, and the results may be biased by including people motivated to quit with e-cigarettes. In some observational studies, e-cigarette users appear to reduce their use of traditional cigarettes and to have higher quit rates (although long-term success is often low). These studies also don't compare e-cigarettes with the numerous FDA-approved choices for smoking cessation, such as nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gums, and lozenges), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), and varenicline (Chantix). These options have been shown to double the chance of success in quitting smoking compared with not using any aid at all.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.