A groundbreaking clinical study, published in JAMA, has unveiled an effective method for helping teens and young adults overcome nicotine addiction. The study found that a smoking cessation pill known as varenicline, in combination with counseling, significantly increased the success rate of quitting vaping among individuals aged 16 to 25. Led by Dr. A. Eden Evins at Massachusetts General Hospital, the research demonstrated that participants who took varenicline were over three times more likely to quit vaping compared to those who only received therapy or text-based support.
Vaping, a prevalent form of nicotine use among youth in the U.S., poses serious health risks and can lead to increased addiction to substances like cocaine later in life. This study marks the first evidence-based approach specifically tailored to young people struggling with nicotine addiction. Varenicline works by blocking nicotine effects in the brain, reducing cravings and the pleasure derived from nicotine use.
The study recruited 261 participants who vaped nicotine daily, without regular cigarette smoking habits. These individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 12-week treatment period. The first group received varenicline, attended counseling sessions, and utilized a text-based quit program. The second group followed the same plan but received a placebo instead of varenicline, while the third group solely used the text program.
Weekly reports on vaping status were confirmed using cotinine saliva tests, a reliable indicator of nicotine use. The results revealed significant success rates among varenicline users, with 51% abstaining from vaping after 12 weeks. In comparison, only 14% of the placebo group and 6% of the text-only group had quit. Even three months post-treatment, nearly 28% of varenicline users remained vape-free, showcasing the pill’s lasting impact without participants turning to cigarettes.
Dr. Randi Schuster, from the Center for School Behavioral Health at MGH, emphasized the safety and effectiveness of varenicline in this age group, highlighting its potential to combat youth vaping addiction.
During the final month of treatment and at the 6-month follow-up, the varenicline group showed higher success rates compared to the placebo group (51% vs. 14% and 28% vs. 7%, respectively). This data was sourced from JAMA.
The rise in vaping among teens and young adults has been significant in recent years, with approximately 1 in 4 young adults vaping in 2023 and 8% of high school students reporting vaping in 2024. Vapes, unlike cigarettes, are more discreet but pose serious health risks such as nicotine addiction, lung damage, and exposure to harmful substances.
The resurgence of nicotine addiction in this demographic has undone years of progress in tobacco control. Many young vapers struggle to quit without assistance, and until now, there has been limited research on effective treatments for this group.
Varenicline, already approved for adult smoking cessation, can now be legally prescribed to individuals as young as 16, providing immediate access to those in need. The drug was well-tolerated during the trial, with minimal dropouts due to side effects.
This study marks a significant advancement in youth nicotine addiction treatment, demonstrating that medication, coupled with counseling and digital support, can help young people quit vaping. Continued research is recommended, including testing on younger teens and individuals who both vape and smoke tobacco.
The successful outcomes of this study offer hope for youth struggling with nicotine addiction, highlighting varenicline as a promising tool for quitting vaping. With vaping rates high among youths and the detrimental effects of nicotine well-documented, providing effective quitting strategies is crucial.
The study emphasizes that quitting vaping is achievable, with certain tools proving more effective than others. While behavioral therapy and text-based support programs offer some assistance, pairing these with medication significantly boosts success rates. This research provides doctors with stronger evidence to prescribe effective treatments, offering hope supported by scientific evidence.
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