A groundbreaking study reveals that quitline-based interventions effectively help young adults quit vaping, with nearly half (45%) of participants achieving abstinence after three months.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, tested four intervention combinations:

• Coaching calls only
• Coaching with mHealth support
• Coaching with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
• Coaching with both mHealth and NRT

Key findings:

• Coaching calls were surprisingly effective as a standalone intervention
• NRT showed promising results with a 7% improvement in quit rates
• Participants were more receptive to NRT than expected
• The intervention was particularly successful among regular vapers (20+ days per month)

The research involved 981 young adults aged 18-24 who exclusively used e-cigarettes, with 508 completing the full program. The quitline intervention included:

• Personalized coaching calls
• Assessment of nicotine addiction
• NRT dosing guidance
• Educational resources
• Mobile health support via text messages

Free resources for quitting vaping:

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (nationwide quitline)
• Smokefree.gov
• We Are Truth
• Become an Ex
• Live Vape Free
• Quit For Life

This study marks the first large randomized trial examining quitline-based intervention with NRT for vaping cessation, offering promising evidence for addressing the youth vaping epidemic declared by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2018.

While long-term vaping effects aren't fully understood, potential health risks include cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These findings suggest that quitline interventions, particularly when combined with NRT, could be an effective tool in helping young adults overcome nicotine addiction.

Researchers plan to expand future studies to include individuals who both vape and use other tobacco products, aiming to better understand which intervention components are most effective for different user groups.

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