Smoking cessation is a challenging process, and not every method works for everyone. However, the Institute for Addiction Research at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences recommends using e-cigarettes to quit smoking. While scientists are still divided on whether e-cigarettes help with smoking cessation or not, and some studies on the topic have been quickly published and subsequently retracted, consumers are increasingly confused. In an interview with Professor Heino Stöver, a professor of addiction research at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, he answers frequently asked consumer questions about e-cigarettes. Despite some studies claiming that e-cigarettes are not suitable for quitting smoking, the Institute for Addiction Research explicitly recommends them.
According to the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences’ current study, although a complete switch from tobacco to e-cigarettes significantly reduces health damage, it is not recommended. “Complete abstinence is, of course, the best,” emphasizes Stöver. “There must be intermediate steps on the way to becoming a non-smoker, and therefore, risk-reducing alternatives should be promoted more strongly.” The reasons for this are diverse. Medical professionals often report patients who have found their way to e-cigarettes but still smoke traditional tobacco cigarettes. This dual consumption must be avoided, as agreed upon by medical professionals and scientists. Only by giving up traditional cigarettes can the advantage of risk minimization through e-cigarettes be realized. Experts call for behavioral therapy support to prevent dual use. Although such support exists, the application process for professionally guided smoking cessation is complex and not very affordable due to only minimal health insurance subsidies.
Another reason why e-cigarettes are not promoted for smoking cessation is uncertainty. Politicians, in particular, fear that the promotion of e-cigarettes will lead young people to vaping. Of course, complete abstinence from vapor and smoke is best, but for smokers who cannot quit without assistance, e-cigarettes are a real alternative. Final scientific and neutral statements on the risk of e-cigarettes do not exist to this day due to the relatively young age of the product. Only a British meta-analysis from 2017 suggests that e-cigarettes have only a 0.4% cancer risk compared to traditional cigarettes. A study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also confirmed a significant reduction in harmful emissions between 80 to 99% compared to traditional cigarettes. According to a publication by the British health authority Public Health England, e-cigarette consumers are exposed to up to 95% fewer health risks than tobacco smokers.
