UK study claims cessation using electronic cigarettes
McDermott MS, East KA, Brose LS, et al. The effectiveness of using e‐cigarettes for quitting smoking compared to other cessation methods among adults in the United Kingdom. Addiction. Accepted Article. 9 March 2021 Authors conclude: “When used daily, electronic cigarettes appear to facilitate abstinence from smoking when compared with using no help.”
NOTE: Many products “facilitate abstinence” compared to no help, and study findings seem to show very limited results. The study’s statement of limitations also points to several problems including lack of generalizability of study findings. Importantly, the study confuses quitting smoking (abstinence from conventional cigarettes) with freedom from the use of nicotine products. Cessation is not achieved while nicotine addiction is maintained. That is clear since cessation methods are now necessary for products such as e-cigarettes. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.15474
Stephen Hamann
