A new study suggests that simply seeing vape pens or e-cigarettes can actually increase a person's desire to smoke.
In the experiment that the researchers conducted, 108 participants who were smokers, were asked to a person who was smoking regular cigarettes or using an e-cigarette or vape pen.
Surprisingly, in both cases, there was a spike in the participants' desire to smoke, even if they haven't smoked a cigarette before. The result puts into question just how effective e-cigarettes and vape pens really are when it comes to helping people quit smoking, as they're usually advertised or sold as a means to help smokers quit their habit.
It might be best for smokers to avoid e-cigarettes if they want to quit
Andrea King, the study's lead author, shares: "Smokers needs to be aware that—just like Pavlov’s dogs salivating to a bell associated with food—cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, etc. may increase desire to smoke and alert the brain’s reward system."
"Our findings would suggest that smokers may want to reduce their exposures to the use of e-cigarettes as well as traditional cigarettes," she adds.
The study's results possibly mean that it might be in the best interest of smokers to avoid being around people who are using e-cigarettes if they're try to quit smoking.
Help a loved one quit smoking
If you have a friend or a loved one who's a smoker, it's very important to know what to do in order for you to help them quit smoking. Here are some helpful tips:
- Don't offer unsolicited advice. Just be there to support them. It's very important to be supportive and not push them to quit smoking immediately. Be understanding, and do your best to support them in quitting.
- Always be available. People who are trying to quit smoking can be cranky and irritable. It's best to be patient and just be available to talk to.
- Don't nag. The last thing that people who are trying to quit smoking is a nagger. If they relapse into their habit, instead of nagging them or arguing, you should encourage them to just keep at it.
- Each day that they don't smoke is a victory. Each day that they're able to resist smoking is a cause for success. Celebrate these small victories by going out for dinner, or go out with friends or watch a movie.
Source: gmanetwork.com
READ: Viral photo shows 6-year-old from Laoag City using an e-cigarette
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