In a world first, a groundbreaking UK scientific study proves vaping is less addictive than smoking.
Scientists and researchers from the prestigious London South Bank University say the results reveal smokers and vapers may equally enjoy nicotine, but smokers will get their fix no matter what the cost.
Whilst I get that, I would point out that the vast majority of vapers cut back on nicotine levels considerably as they continue on their vaping journey…prove me right in the comments below 😉
From a monetary sense, the study shows smokers are willing to buy lit tobacco regardless of the cost, whilst vapers set limits on what they spend.
Yeah, I know some of you are likely to spend a fortune on that new shiny mod or tank, almost on a monthly basis lol. However, and in real terms, vapers stay within their budgets – probably without actually realizing they’re making a financial ‘plan’.
The study was led by Dr Nicky Rycroft, Deputy Head of the Division of Psychology in the School of Applied Sciences and member of the Centre for Addictive Behaviours Research at LSBU.
The results have been published on Science Direct website – a peer-reviewed medical research journal and the the team of researchers say the highlights are:
- Dependency to nicotine was compared in smokers and vapers.
- Behavioural economics tasks revealed higher sensitivity to costs amongst vapers.
- Self-report scales highlight lack of equivalency between how products are used.
- Nicotine may have higher reinforcing value for smokers than vapers.
Vapers Prefer Cash To Nicotine!
The method used was interesting to say the least.
Smokers and vapers were each in turn offered a lit cigarette – e-cigarette or money…
Those hooked on lit tobacco choose a cigarette pretty much every time, whilst vapers offered an e-cig often chose the money instead!
The cynic in me could say the cash was probably going to be used for that new bit of vape gear or e-liquid…but then I’m no scientist 😉
The study concluded:
These findings suggest that, on behavioural economic tasks, tobacco cigarettes have a higher relative value than e-cigarettes.
Vapers appear to place a lower limit on what they will spend to access e-cigarettes and more readily choose money over e-cigarette puffs when primed by money cues.
The study points out this does not mean vapers are less addicted to nicotine adding:
When directly asked about addiction to their product, level of craving, how much they want it and difficulties with not using nicotine, vapers and smokers gave similar responses.
Vaping appears to share similar features to smoking such as automatic response patterns or habits.
Vaping Is Less Addictive – Its A Psychological Thing!
And from a psychological point of view, this chimes with the study I wrote about back in 2017: The British Psychological Society Comes Out in Support of E-Cigs .
That study showed the hand to mouth action of using an e-cigarette when quitting smoking was psychologically important as it mimicked smoking a lit cigarette.
The BPS said at the time:
Smoking is a behaviour influenced by a wide range of factors including nicotine addiction and psychological factors such as expectancies, beliefs, drives, motives and impulses as well as sensory components and aspects of the behaviour itself (e.g. holding the cigarette, feeling the smoke in themouth and throat, or to facilitate social interaction).
So once again science shows that even the mere act of raising a vape device to the mouth and inhaling triggers the overall sensation of smoking – but is far far healthier than smoking – 95% safer in fact.
Lead scientist Dr Rycroft said:
Our research has found for the first time that because vapers are more sensitive to rising costs than smokers, vaping is likely to be less addictive than smoking.
Vapers are more likely to set a lower limit to spend on e-cigarettes, than smokers who have a higher spending limit for cigarettes.
As vaping is less harmful and less likely to be addictive than smoking, this research may reassure concerns about continued nicotine addiction when switching from smoking to vaping.
This world-first research is further evidence of LSBU’s leading role on health and science research in the UK.
Of course, it could also mean us vapers are a tight fisted bunch! But bloody hell, have you seen the cost of tobacco these days – no idea how we all afforded it or how smokers still can!
Makes a change to see some positive news on vaping coming out of the world of science – and once again it’s from the UK.
You can read the full study from the link below:
Vapers exhibit similar subjective nicotine dependence but lower nicotine reinforcing value compared to smokers
So…
Vaping Is Less Addictive Healthier AND Cheaper..?
Do you have a vape budget?
Do you stick to it steadfastly?
Do you have one because your partner would rip you a new one if she/he saw how much you were spending?
Do you believe vaping is less addictive than smoking?
Let me know in the comments below!
BTW: if you’re a smoker looking to quit – you’re in the right place to save cash and your health.
We have tons of valuable information to help you make the healthier switch from smoking to vaping – here’s just a few guides:
Any questions or concerns on making the switch from smoking to vaping – ask away in the comments below!
I believe you are correct, Dr Rycroft, saying vapers lower their level of nicotine strength. I think eliquid companies that only make 6mg strength & less shows that to be a true statement. It might take a year or two, but to over 90% (guessing) their normal strength becomes too strong under normal titration. I started at 24mg, it took me 2 year but without forcing myself, I now vape 6mg. I have spoken to plenty of vapers that all say their normal strength became to much for them. Others work on a time scale to purposely lower their strength with the ambition to stop completely. I have also noticed, those who use vaping to stop don’t seem to get the cravings other ex-smokers have, I don’t know why this is, but it is a statement of fact.