Vaping to quit smoking: Qualitative study of people receiving opioid agonist treatment

Kypros Kypri, Emma Austin, Melissa Jackson, Kirsten Wright, Amanda Shui, Andrew Li, Vinogi Sathasivam, Billie Bonevski, Adrian J. Dunlop

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Introduction: Most patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) smoke tobacco. Approved cessation interventions are less effective in this group than the wider population. We investigated how people on OAT experience nicotine vaping to quit smoking. 

Methods: Patients on OAT randomised to the vaping arm of a smoking cessation trial were invited to participate in structured interviews incorporating broad pre-determined themes. A qualitative descriptive approach employing template analysis was used. Four authors coded transcripts, discussed discrepancies, modified the template using both inductive and deductive approaches. Authors made explicit their starting orientations and independent authors sought disconfirmatory data in a subsequent round of analysis. 

Results: Four women and eight men (median age 44 years) participated, including four who identified as Aboriginal. Participants reported vaping as cheaper, more acceptable and less stigmatising than smoking but expressed concerns about ongoing accessibility due to the Australian prescription access model. Some found it technically challenging at first, but not more so than standard nicotine replacement therapies. Participants gave accounts of craving and withdrawal experiences, including supplementary use of nicotine patches, and compulsions to vape frequently and intensely, potentially indicating need for higher nicotine dosage. Participants generally reported that vaping helped them quit smoking, though some worried about swapping nicotine addictions. Others were glad to be using a lower-risk alternative. 

Discussion and Conclusions: This group reported varied experiences of nicotine vaping but were mainly optimistic that it could help them and others quit smoking. This was despite initial nicotine cravings and concerns about remaining addicted long-term.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)254-266
Number of pages13
JournalDrug and Alcohol Review
Volume44
Issue number1
Early online date4 Oct 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • nicotine
  • opioid agonist treatment
  • patient experience
  • smoking cessation
  • vaping

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Vaping to quit smoking: Qualitative study of people receiving opioid agonist treatment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this