Vaping Gateway To Smoking – Otago University Study

A recent study conducted by Otago University has shed light on the relationship between vaping and smoking. Contrary to popular belief, the study found that vaping does not appear to be an effective tool for helping people quit smoking. In fact, it seems to act as a gateway for non-smokers, leading them to take up smoking.

The researchers published their findings in the Drug and Alcohol Review, where they highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the idea that vaping helps smokers quit. Instead, they found a pattern of frequent transitions between smoking and vaping. This suggests that rather than serving as a substitute for smoking, vaping has become just another smoking-related behavior.

Andre Mason, one of the study’s leaders and an Otago postgraduate student, expressed disappointment in the inconsistent evidence surrounding vaping as a smoking cessation tool. He explained that despite the hope that vaping would help people quit smoking, it seems to have emerged as a behavior linked to smoking rather than a genuine alternative.

Over the course of a three-year study, the prevalence of smoking decreased. However, the researchers found no evidence that vaping played a significant role in this decline. Instead, they attributed it to marketing campaigns highlighting the health risks of smoking and the increasing cost of cigarettes.

What is even more concerning is that the study revealed that vaping is equally likely to lead to an increase in cigarette smoking as it is to help people quit. This raises questions about harm reduction policies that solely focus on the relative safety of vaping compared to smoking. The study suggests that a broader approach is necessary to address the complexities of this issue.

The study’s findings are particularly worrisome considering recent statistics from the Ministry of Health. According to their data, the number of 15 to 17-year-olds who vape daily has quadrupled in just three years. This increase in youth vaping raises concerns about a new generation becoming addicted to nicotine and potentially transitioning to smoking.

As a result, organizations such as Ready Steady Quit and Quitline, Te Whatu Ora Health NZ are directing non-smokers who are addicted to vaping towards stop smoking programs. These programs aim to address the addiction and help individuals reduce their nicotine consumption.

In response to the growing concerns around youth vaping, the Government has announced measures to curb its prevalence. These measures include banning most disposable vapes and implementing restrictions on the proximity of vape shops to schools.

The Otago University study serves as a reminder that the relationship between vaping and smoking is complex and requires careful consideration. While vaping may be perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, it appears to have unintended consequences, such as acting as a gateway to smoking for non-smokers. Moving forward, it is crucial for policymakers, health professionals, and the general public to have a comprehensive understanding of vaping and its potential implications.