While vaping is generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking, mounting concerns about its long-term health implications have prompted medical professionals to develop strategies for helping individuals break the habit. A prominent US television psychiatrist has recently shared his clinical approach to assisting patients in quitting vaping permanently.
The Rising Trend of Vaping in the UK
The number of people using e-cigarettes in the United Kingdom has surged dramatically in recent years. According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics in November 2025, the landscape of nicotine consumption has shifted significantly. The data revealed that 5.4 million adults aged 16 and over now vape daily or occasionally, surpassing the 4.9 million tobacco smokers for the first time.
This shift coincides with a substantial decline in traditional smoking, particularly among younger adults. Smoking rates in this demographic have plummeted from 25.7 percent in 2011 to just 8.1 percent in 2024. While this reduction in cigarette use represents a public health achievement, the concurrent rise in vaping presents new challenges for healthcare providers and policymakers.
Health Risks and Medical Perspectives
Although vaping exposes users to fewer toxins than combustible cigarettes, medical authorities emphasize that it is not without risk. The NHS has stated clearly that while vaping can be a useful tool for smoking cessation, its long-term effects remain uncertain due to the relatively recent introduction of these products. The healthiest option, according to official guidance, is neither to smoke nor to vape.
Scientific research has begun to illuminate specific concerns. A study published last year indicated that e-cigarette users may increase their stroke risk by up to one third. Cardiovascular specialists have expressed particular worry about vaping's effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness.
Expert Concerns About Youth Vaping
Professor Maja-Lisa Løchen, a cardiology specialist at the University Hospital of North Norway, voiced serious apprehensions at a recent medical conference in Madrid. "We're worried about e-cigarettes becoming a new tobacco epidemic," she warned, highlighting particular concerns about potential irreversible harm to children's developing brains and cardiovascular systems.
In the UK, it has been illegal since 2015 to sell e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, or for adults to purchase them for minors. Despite these regulations, the accessibility and appeal of vaping products to younger demographics remain a persistent concern for public health officials.
A Psychiatrist's Approach to Quitting
Dr. Daniel Amen, a US television psychiatrist with over 3.5 million TikTok followers, has detailed his methodology for helping patients overcome vaping addiction. His approach combines behavioral strategies with nutritional supplementation.
Dr. Amen's recommended steps include:
- Acknowledging that vaping represents a problem requiring attention
- Developing awareness through tracking usage frequency
- Implementing a gradual reduction plan, decreasing intake by approximately five percent daily
Additionally, Dr. Amen suggests a specific supplement that some patients find beneficial: N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), taken at 1200mg twice daily. He notes that this supplement has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing cravings across various addiction types.
Understanding N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine is readily available without prescription in UK pharmacies and health shops. While primarily used to treat paracetamol overdose, pneumonia, and bronchitis, emerging research suggests potential applications in addiction management. Medical professionals emphasize that any supplement regimen should be discussed with a healthcare provider before implementation.
The Broader Public Health Context
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United Kingdom, responsible for more than 70,000 fatalities annually. While vaping represents a less harmful alternative for current smokers, the NHS maintains clear guidance: non-smokers and children should never take up vaping.
The health service advises that those using vaping as a smoking cessation tool should ultimately aim to quit vaping as well. This balanced approach recognizes vaping's potential role in harm reduction while acknowledging that complete abstinence from nicotine products represents the optimal health outcome.
As research continues to evolve, medical professionals stress the importance of evidence-based approaches to nicotine addiction, whether through traditional cigarettes or newer vaping products. The intersection of behavioral strategies, medical supervision, and emerging pharmacological supports offers multiple pathways for those seeking to break free from nicotine dependence.
