Is It Better to Quit Smoking by Vaping? What the Latest Research Says

Smoking

Summary Bullet Points

1. Quit smoking by vaping? Studies say daily vapers are 15% less likely to quit.
2. Quit smoking by vaping may work for some, but not better than patches or gum.
3. Quit smoking by vaping keeps nicotine addiction alive, with fewer toxic chemicals.
4. Quit smoking by vaping often turns into “dual use” of both vapes and cigarettes.
5. Quit smoking by vaping might help, but experts still prefer NRT and counselling.

Quit Smoking by Vaping: Shortcut or Slippery Slope?

So you’re thinking about quitting smoking, and someone suggests vaping. It seems like a fair middle ground, still get your nicotine fix without inhaling actual smoke, right?

Well, it’s not that simple. The science behind quitting smoking by vaping is pretty divided, and the most recent studies show that for many people, vaping doesn't actually help them quit at all.

Daily vapers are less likely to quit smoking, new study finds

A 2025 study from UC San Diego followed thousands of smokers trying to quit. Surprisingly, those who vaped every day were 15% less likely to actually quit smoking compared to those who didn’t vape at all.

Yep, less likely.

The theory is that while vaping might cut down on harmful smoke exposure, it doesn’t break the nicotine habit, and in many cases, it just keeps people hooked longer.

Vaping vs nicotine patches: Which helps more?

Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Some earlier studies, like a 2019 randomised trial and several Cochrane reviews, suggest that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can help some people quit more effectively than traditional NRTs like patches, lozenges, or gum.

But here’s the catch: Success rates are higher when vaping is paired with behavioural support (like counselling or quitline services). Without that extra support? Results are all over the place.

So vaping might help, but it's not a magic fix, and definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but still not safe

One of vaping’s biggest selling points is that it delivers nicotine without all the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke. That’s true, there’s no tar or carbon monoxide in e-cig vapour, and that makes it less harmful than smoking.

But here’s what often gets overlooked: Vaping is not risk-free. Many vape juices contain other chemicals that can irritate the lungs, and the long-term health effects still aren’t fully known.

Plus, you’re still feeding the nicotine addiction, which makes it harder to quit altogether.

Dual use is common and makes quitting harder

A lot of smokers who start vaping end up doing both. They use their vape during the day and smoke a few cigarettes when they’re stressed, out with friends, or just craving that “real” hit.

This is what experts call dual use, and it’s a big red flag. It often leads to lower quit success and prolongs nicotine dependence, keeping people stuck in a cycle instead of moving toward true freedom from tobacco.

What public health experts actually recommend

Ask most doctors or public health officials, and they’ll still say the best way to quit smoking is through a combo of:

1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), like patches or lozenges
2. Behavioural support (quitlines, therapy, or counselling)
3. Prescription meds like bupropion or varenicline (in some cases)

Vaping might be an option if other tools haven’t worked, but it’s definitely not the top-tier recommendation, especially since the evidence is mixed and addiction risks remain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will vaping stop me from smoking?

Maybe, but not always. Some people successfully quit smoking by switching to vaping, but many continue to use both (known as dual use), which reduces their chances of quitting altogether. Research also shows that daily vapers may be less likely to quit smoking.

Is it better to switch from cigarettes to vaping?

It’s less harmful to vape than smoke because vaping eliminates tar and carbon monoxide. But it's not better in terms of quitting nicotine. You're still addicted, just in a slightly safer form. Switching can be a step down, but it’s not the final destination.

Is vaping good for non-smokers?

No. Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers, especially teens and young adults. It introduces unnecessary nicotine addiction and potential lung damage without any health benefits.

Should I quit smoking or vaping first?

If you're doing both, quit smoking first, but don’t stop there. Use vaping as a temporary bridge, not a crutch. The goal should always be to quit both and become nicotine-free for good.

What are 5 dangers of vaping?

1. Nicotine addiction keeps you hooked and raises blood pressure
2. Lung irritation – from propylene glycol and flavouring chemicals
3. Unknown long-term effects, especially with newer vape formulas
4. Dual use lowers your chance of quitting
5. Youth appeal – increases addiction risks for teens and non-smokers

Can lungs heal after vaping?

Yes, to an extent. Once you stop vaping, your lungs can start to recover over time. But healing depends on how long and how heavily you’ve vaped. The earlier you quit, the better your chances of lung function improving.

Bottom line: Should you try to quit smoking by vaping?

Maybe, but only with eyes wide open.

For some people, vaping can help reduce cravings and act as a stepping stone. But for many, it just delays real quitting, fuels dual use, or replaces one addiction with another. Studies suggest that daily vapers may even be less likely to quit.

If you're serious about quitting, your best bet is still a combination of NRT and support, not just swapping cigarettes for a vape pen.