Electronic cigarettes could save america: a review on electronic nicotine delivery devices as a tool for smoking cessation

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have recently emerged on the world stage as anew, popular nicotine delivery device. Approximately 1 in 5 current U.S. adult smokers have ever tried e-cigarettes and Google searches for the devices have increased dramatically over the past decade. While current FDA approved therapies are effective at helping smokers abstain from the habit, a majority of individuals attempting to quit fail or eventually relapse. E-cigarettes may provide an effective means of smoking cessation as it can administer nicotine and emulate the psychological stimuli associated with physically puffing on a cigarette. Methods: Sources on electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation device were found using Pubmed and Google search. Results: 8 studies provide evidence that electronic cigarettes can help smokers cut back or quit smoking. 5 studies describe nicotine delivery of e-cigarettes and the ability of the device to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. 3 studies reveal the effects on health and self-efficacy of e-cigarettes in tobacco smokers trying to quit. 3 studies describe the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation among special populations including smokers with depression, and schizophrenia. Discussion: Several qualitative and quantitative studies suggest that e-cigarettes may help tobacco smoker’s cutback or quit smoking regular tobacco cigarettes. Evidence also reveals that people who use e-cigarettes to quit tobacco cigarettes experience improved health and greater self-efficacy. E-cigarettes may also serve to decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings in former smokers and may prove effective as cessation devices in special populations. The public health importance of this research is that e-cigarettes may help smokers quit smoking, and ultimately alleviate the burden of smoking related diseases across the world