Continuing to vape after quitting smoking linked to lower risk of relapse
A new study led by WIPH researchers provides the first evidence that smokers who successfully stop smoking with the help of e-cigarettes (EC), and continue to use them, may be reducing their risk of relapse.
In an earlier study of 886 smokers, the research team showed that EC are more effective in helping smokers quit than nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). Only a relatively small proportion of smokers who quit with the help of NRTs (such as nicotine chewing gum and patches) continued to use NRT. By comparison, smokers who quit with the help of EC were much more likely to continue using vapes.
In the new study researchers conducted a secondary analysis of their landmark randomised controlled trial, comparing relapse rates in the two study arms, and in abstainers who did and did not use EC. Relapse was calculated for the time periods between 4wks and 1year, and between 6months and 1year. Over both time periods, abstainers in the EC arm were less likely to relapse than abstainers in the NRT arm, and abstainers who used EC were less likely to relapse than abstainers who did not vape. The data suggest that vapers are 25% less likely to relapse.
Peter Hajek, Director of the WIPH Health and Lifestyle Research Unit, said: “E-cigarette use carries only a small fraction of risks of smoking. Among people who quit smoking with the help of vapes, on-going vaping prevents relapse. It would have a positive health impact and should not be discouraged.”
Hayden McRobbie, Professor of Population Health in the WIPH Centre for Public Health and Policy, said: "A big question in helping people stay smokefree is how best to prevent relapse. For people who have quit smoking using e-cigarettes, carrying on vaping, for as long as they need to feel confident they won’t slip back to smoking, is likely to be beneficial."
Hajek P, Przulj D, Myers Smith K, Li J, Sasieni P, Ross L, McRobbie H, Goniewicz M, Pesola F. Continuing use of e-cigarettes after stopping smoking and relapse: Secondary analysis of a large randomised controlled trial. Addiction. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70294