JAKARTA - For many adult smokers, quitting smoking is not easy, especially if it has to be done suddenly. Therefore, a more realistic solution is needed and lived in gradually so that the results are more effective. One of the options that are often considered is the use of alternative tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes (vape), heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.
One of the researches from the University of Oxford in England found that alternative tobacco products have the potential for higher effectiveness in helping smokers switch from smoking habits compared to other methods such as nicotine replacement therapy (such as koyo and nicotine chewing gum) or just counseling support for behavioral changes.
"In fact, the results of the various meta-analyses we studied clearly and consistently show that alternative tobacco products are effective in helping people switch from smoking habits," said the study's lead author, Senior Researcher and Lecturer in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Dr. Angela Difeng Wu, quoted Thursday, April 30.
The approach was discussed in a research entitled Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation: An overview of systematic reviews and evidence and gap map which was published in March 2026. This study analyzed 14 systematic reviews of various global studies between 2014 and 2023.
This alternative method is considered to help reduce old habits slowly, so that the transition feels easier to live than stopping suddenly. "Alternative tobacco products have a lower risk profile than cigarettes, because their use produces aerosols or water vapor, not smoke containing harmful tar," as written in the research.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (AKVINDO) Paido Siahaan, said consistency was the main key in the process of switching from smoking habits, because changes not only depend on the products used, but on the ability of individuals to change daily routines and behavior patterns.
"The success of this transition process is basically not only determined by the products used, but depends very much on individual consistency in changing habits," he said.
Paido added that recognizing triggers such as stress, social habits, and certain moments in daily life is an important step to make the transition process run more smoothly. He also mentioned that alternative tobacco products can play a role as an aid, especially in the initial phase which tends to be the most challenging.
"By providing an alternative source of nicotine different from cigarettes, this product can help reduce the desire to return to smoking, especially in the initial phase of the transition which is generally the most vulnerable. However, this role must be understood as an aid, not a single solution," he explained.
In practice, the biggest challenge often arises at the adaptation stage. Differences in sensations, tastes, to social habits such as smoking when gathering with friends often become obstacles. To overcome this, many adult smokers choose to maintain consistency, avoid trigger situations at the beginning, and find alternatives that best suit their preferences.
"There is no need to stop immediately. Start by replacing one smoking moment in your daily routine with an alternative product. Small but consistent approaches are often more effective and sustainable than drastic changes," concluded Paido.
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