Vaping cessation, the process of quitting e-cigarette use, is a significant public health focus, as millions of people, particularly youth and young adults, have adopted these products. E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among young people in the United States, leading to widespread nicotine addiction. Understanding the rate of successful quitting is difficult, but it is an important measure of the public health burden associated with this relatively new form of nicotine delivery. This exploration examines the available data on successful cessation rates and the factors that influence that outcome.
Challenges in Quantifying Cessation Rates
Determining a definitive, population-wide rate of successful vaping cessation is complicated by several methodological hurdles. Unlike traditional smoking cessation, which has decades of standardized research, vaping cessation lacks long-term, comprehensive surveillance data. A major issue is the heavy reliance on self-reported data in public health surveys, which can introduce inaccuracies.
The precise definition of “quitting” also varies widely across studies, making direct comparisons difficult. Some research defines success as a few days or weeks of abstinence, while others require sustained cessation for six months or a year. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of vaping technology—including varying nicotine concentrations, device types, and liquid compositions—makes it challenging to standardize measurements of use intensity or dependence. For instance, users often struggle to accurately report consumption metrics like “puffs per day.”
Current Trends in Vaping Cessation Statistics
Data shows that a substantial number of vapers attempt to quit, but sustained success remains low. Over half (54.2%) of current e-cigarette users aged 15 to 36 have reported an intention to quit vaping. Approximately one-third of young adult vapers reported making a quit attempt in the past year.
For youth, the desire to quit is also high, with about two-thirds of middle and high school students who currently vape reporting they want to stop. However, among youth who vape daily, the proportion who tried to quit but were unable rose sharply between 2020 and 2024, increasing from 28.2% to 53%. This suggests that the remaining users are becoming more heavily addicted and face greater difficulty in achieving cessation.
In the few studies that track successful cessation, the odds of sustained abstinence over time tend to decrease. For young adults aged 18 to 24, a recent study utilizing phone-based coaching found a high quit rate of 45% at three months, though this success was achieved within a structured intervention setting. In contrast, a study focused on adult users found that only 27.5% reported successfully quitting, with many attempts being unassisted.
Demographic and Usage Factors Affecting Success
Several user characteristics and patterns of use significantly influence the likelihood of successful quitting. Age and duration of use play a part, with young, short-term users often having different motivations and challenges than older, more established users. However, heavy, daily use among adolescents is a strong indicator of severe nicotine dependence and is associated with a much harder time quitting without formal treatment.
The concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid is another influential factor, as highly concentrated products can increase the intensity of dependence. Additionally, individuals who engage in “dual use”—vaping while also smoking traditional cigarettes—have significantly reduced odds of successful e-cigarette cessation. This concurrent use may result in greater overall nicotine exposure.
Motivation is a powerful internal driver, with health concerns being a top reason for young people wanting to quit vaping. Despite this desire, many quit attempts are made “cold turkey” without professional support, which is less effective than using proven cessation methods. Dependence on nicotine is consistently linked to lower success rates.
Resources and Support for Quitting
Formal support systems and resources substantially improve the chances of successful vaping cessation.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), including patches, gum, and lozenges, increases the odds of quitting by managing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
- Certain prescription medications are effective tools for treating nicotine addiction.
- Behavioral support, such as counseling and specialized programs, is highly effective, especially when paired with medication.
- Telephone quitlines, like 1-800-QUIT-NOW, offer free, evidence-based coaching for people of all ages.
- App-based and text-message programs have been developed specifically to reach young vapers, offering tailored support.