Christmas is done and dusted and now we’re into January – the month of resolutions. For some, that means losing weight. For others, it means quitting smoking. And for many, it means a switch to e-cigs instead of continuing with their usual cigarettes, in an attempt to make quitting much easier than it would otherwise be.
According to BuzzFeed, which quoted data that came from IRI, a market research firm, more people are switching to electronic cigarettes this year to help them leave smoking behind completely. They’re opting for e-cigs instead of patches and other stop smoking options that were more popular in the past.
Is vaping the solution?
The vaping landscape has changed considerably in recent times. While there are small companies producing and selling vaping equipment and refills, many big tobacco manufacturers are now getting involved. Indeed, according to the latest information, the top five best-selling electronic cigarettes are all owned by major tobacco companies.
So is this a case of tobacco companies cashing in on a trend that could see their profits from cigarette sales dropping? Some people – including those at Public Health England – have voiced their concerns that the tobacco industry is getting in on the act. There is still precious little research into how safe vaping is. However, when compared to smoking, many people still think vaping is the better option.
New Year, new resolution
Any New Year brings with it lots of people who try – maybe for the first time, maybe for the umpteenth – to try and quit smoking. In the past, cold turkey was the only route they could choose. Now they have a real alternative in vaping. This could help them quit more easily than they would otherwise be able to. It makes sense that the tobacco companies would want a slice of that pie.
Giving up smoking with some kind of support is always going to be easier than trying to go it alone. News that the NHS could be about to start providing e-cigs on prescription may lead to many more people giving up this year and beyond. The savings in health costs in doing so could be significant.
What’s your opinion on giving up smoking with the aid of electronic cigarettes? Will you be doing this in 2016, or have you managed to quit already with their help? If so, do you still use e-cigs to help with cravings?
