Study reveals support, quit tools help in smoking cessation

(MENAFN) A recent clinical trial has shown that providing a range of nicotine replacement options or vaping products combined with behavioral support significantly helps individuals leaving rehabilitation programs remain smoke-free—an achievement that is typically rare in this group.

The study followed more than 360 adults as they exited detox programs, reinforcing growing evidence that consistent assistance and access to various nicotine substitutes can lead to meaningful progress in quitting smoking among people in recovery. This approach may save lives and lessen the substantial health risks related to tobacco use in this vulnerable population, according to a statement released Tuesday by Flinders University in South Australia, which led the research.

Published in the July edition of Lancet Public Health, the study highlighted that "People recovering from substance use are more than twice as likely to smoke as the general population—and far more likely to suffer and die from tobacco-related illness," said Billie Bonevski, the study’s lead author and director of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week supply of vaping devices or a mix of nicotine replacement therapy products, including patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and mouth sprays. Both groups were provided with behavioral counseling through Quitline services, researchers explained.

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