Statistics put the total number of smokers in the US at about 45 million. Even though there have been innumerable awareness campaigns, most are ignored.
Furthermore, as nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world, it is very difficult for people to quit. As many as 70% of people say they would like to quit, although not all of them might be sincere, but still that is very large number.
One of the things that are available for those who want to truly try and stop, is electronic cigarette devices.
Among the medications approved for human use by the FDA only few have proved marginally successful. In addition, some people have a nicotine receptor gene, which makes it much harder to stop.
One of the things that electronic cigarettes could do to improve smoking cessation chances, is the fact that they are more akin to the cigarettes and thereby can mimick its reward to cues that prompt smoking, something that medications cannot do. For example if someone is drinking coffee or alcohol, and an urge arises, the electronic cigarette can prove more satisfying.
In the end however, the question is: how effective is it really in helping people stop altogether, versus supplying a healthier alternative to cigarettes?
Carcinogens in electronic cigarettes are only 1/1000 of what is in one cigarettes, according to a study published in the Journal of Public Health Policy. Although some believe that the e-cigs do help people quit, there is no scientific evidence so far.
Two e-cigs trials are about to begin. The reports on the findings will be published sometime this year.
What is interesting from previous studies, that have at times confirmed the validity of the e-cigs in quitting cigarette smoking or quitting smoking altogether, is that in one experiment, people were observed to quit even though their e-cigs did not contain any nicotine, as a placebo experiment, causing researchers to believe that dependence to cigarettes might more involved than simply a nicotine delivery system. And a lot of them might have to do with relieving stress and the impulse to light up.
In general however, medical experts contend that even if e-cigs are proven to be a valid tool in quitting smoking, there might be still a need for counseling for certain individuals, since quitting, and smoking, is an experience that varies with the person, so that there is no one size fits all solution.
Partial source : Scientific American 5.7.13
Furthermore, as nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world, it is very difficult for people to quit. As many as 70% of people say they would like to quit, although not all of them might be sincere, but still that is very large number.
One of the things that are available for those who want to truly try and stop, is electronic cigarette devices.
Among the medications approved for human use by the FDA only few have proved marginally successful. In addition, some people have a nicotine receptor gene, which makes it much harder to stop.
One of the things that electronic cigarettes could do to improve smoking cessation chances, is the fact that they are more akin to the cigarettes and thereby can mimick its reward to cues that prompt smoking, something that medications cannot do. For example if someone is drinking coffee or alcohol, and an urge arises, the electronic cigarette can prove more satisfying.
In the end however, the question is: how effective is it really in helping people stop altogether, versus supplying a healthier alternative to cigarettes?
Carcinogens in electronic cigarettes are only 1/1000 of what is in one cigarettes, according to a study published in the Journal of Public Health Policy. Although some believe that the e-cigs do help people quit, there is no scientific evidence so far.
Two e-cigs trials are about to begin. The reports on the findings will be published sometime this year.
What is interesting from previous studies, that have at times confirmed the validity of the e-cigs in quitting cigarette smoking or quitting smoking altogether, is that in one experiment, people were observed to quit even though their e-cigs did not contain any nicotine, as a placebo experiment, causing researchers to believe that dependence to cigarettes might more involved than simply a nicotine delivery system. And a lot of them might have to do with relieving stress and the impulse to light up.
In general however, medical experts contend that even if e-cigs are proven to be a valid tool in quitting smoking, there might be still a need for counseling for certain individuals, since quitting, and smoking, is an experience that varies with the person, so that there is no one size fits all solution.
Partial source : Scientific American 5.7.13
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