Also known as vapes, e-cigarettes have been identified as a successful smoking cessation aid. But what’s the actual difference between e-cigarettes and cigarettes?
The major difference between e-cigarettes and cigarettes, is that e-cigarettes do not have tobacco. They are battery-powered devices with a cartridge that contain a liquid - which comes in a wide variety of flavours. Puffing on an e-cigarette heats the liquid which produces the vapour you see after you inhale and exhale.
On the other hand, traditional cigarettes when smoked burns the tobacco and produces smoke. The smoker will inhale both tar and carbon monoxide. This smoke, also known as passive smoking, is harmful to those around the smoker.
Conversely, Public Health England’s 2018 independent evidence review found that there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to bystanders.
Are e-cigarettes effective for helping to quit smoking?
The NHS Smokefree website details: “ E-cigarettes aren’t completely risk free but they carry a small fraction of the risk of cigarettes. Many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette, and there is growing evidence that they can be effective.
“A major UK clinical trial found that, when combined with expert face-to-face support, people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking were twice as likely to succeed as people who used other nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum.
“Using an e-cigarette can help you manage your nicotine cravings. To get the best out of it, make sure you're using it as much as you need to and with the right strength of nicotine in your e-liquid. You won't get the full benefit from vaping unless you stop smoking cigarettes completely.”
E-cigarette pilot
We’re currently running a pilot using e-cigs as a smoking cessation aid.
Eligibility will be based on service users…
- Being current smokers
- Being aged 18 years and above
- Living in certain areas of Essex (get in contact to find out if your postcode qualifies)
You'll be given a free rechargeable and refillable device alongside a choice of flavoured e-liquids.
Those eligible can participate in an 8-week course (subject to ts & cs), using the device either with or without Licenced Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
For more information about the pilot, or other ways of stopping smoking with our support, contact the team on 0300 303 9988.
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Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about any of our services, or would like assistance taking the assessment online please contact us on 0300 303 9988 or email provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net to talk to one of our friendly team members.
