Can E-cigarettes Help People Quit Smoking

E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA as aids to help stop smoking. This is because there’s just not enough research or evidence yet. On the other hand, there is a large 

body of evidence clearly showing that FDA-approved medications are safe and effective ways to help people quit smoking, especially when combined with counseling.

Some people who smoke choose to try e-cigarettes to help them stop smoking. Stopping smoking clearly has well-documented health benefits. But switching to e-cigarettes still 

exposes users to potentially serious ongoing health risks. It’s important to stop using all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, as soon as possible both to reduce health risks and to 

avoid staying addicted to nicotine. If you’re having trouble quitting e-cigarettes on your own, get help from your doctor or from other support services, such as your state quitline (1-800-

QUIT-NOW) or the American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345).

People who have already switched completely from smoking to e-cigarettes should not switch back to smoking (either solely or along with e-cigarettes), which could expose them to 

potentially devastating health effects.

Some people who smoke choose to use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes at the same time on an ongoing basis, whether they are trying to quit or not. This is known as “dual use.” The 

dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes can lead to significant health risks because smoking any amount of regular cigarettes is very harmful. People should not use both 

products at the same time and are strongly encouraged to completely stop using all tobacco products.