Smokers try various methods to aid their determination to eliminate nicotine addiction. Some try gum, others try the patch, while still others undergo hypnosis to try to quit smoking. Now smokers may be trying another method—electronic cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes are also called the e-cigarette, which is sold as a refillable nicotine dispenser with a heater that simulates the effects of smoking a cigarette. The heater is used to vaporize the nicotine into the user’s mouth. While electronic cigarette companies market the safety of their product, there is some question as to its effectiveness in smoking cessation.

A recent study evaluated the impact of the e-cigarette on the smoking habits of smokers who wanted to stop smoking (Eissenberg, 2010). The study compared the nicotine and craving levels of regular cigarettes and two brands of e-cigarettes when used by smokers.

The study employed 16 participants who were aged 18-55 and smoked more than 15 cigarettes per day for the last year. The participants had no prior knowledge of the e-cigarette, were not trying to quit smoking, and agreed to not smoke for the 12 hours preceding each session.

The participants went to one session each for four products: preferred cigarette brand, a sham cigarette (where participants “smoked” an unlit preferred cigarette), an e-cigarette with an 18mg nicotine cartridge, and an e-cigarette with a 16mg cartridge.

The researchers measured the blood plasma nicotine levels of the participants. The participants were also evaluated using the Tiffany-Drobes Questionnaire of Smoking Urges Brief and a visual analog scale that included measures of the Hughes-Hatsukami Smoking Withdrawal Scale (Hughes & Hatsukami, 1986).

The researchers evaluated the participants 5 minutes before each puff, and then at 5, 15, 30, and 45 minutes after the first puff. After one hour, the product was used again and the evaluation process was repeated.

The results of the study show that the preferred lit cigarette increased plasma nicotine levels and decreased cravings, while the two e-cigarettes did not produced a significantly elevated level of plasma nicotine and did not reduce cravings, except in one scenario: the 18mg nicotine e-cigarette did reduce cravings at the 5 minute timepoint during the second round.

The sham cigarette did not reduce craving levels or increase plasma nicotine levels.

There are limitations to the results of the study. The sample size is small and the results may not be generalizable to other populations. In addition, nicotine delivery and effects may differ depending on chronic use and intensity of inhalation of nicotine.

The results of the study indicate that e-cigarettes may not be accurately marketed as a smoking cessation assistance tool. Further research is needed to determine whether the results found here translate to a larger population and can support or disprove the ability of e-cigarettes in easing smokers in quitting.