Life can sometimes be hard for critics of e-cigarettes. Just as quickly as they invent new ways to discredit vaping, they see their myths evaporate into thin air. One thing I do agree with, however, is that more research on e-cigarettes is needed. Every bit of new information gives us an opportunity to learn more about the long-term effects of electronic cigarettes, and allay doubts smokers may have about quitting. It will also no doubt further disprove many of the arguments used against e-cigarettes.

The latest argument to be crushed: the addictiveness of e-cigarettes.

In a paper published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, researchers from Penn State University report that not only are e-cigarettes less addictive than regular cigarettes, but dependence on them is lower compared with cigarettes.

Over 3,600 ex-smokers participated in the study, answering 158 questions in an online survey designed to assess their consumption habits and dependence. The researchers then scored the answers on a dependence index. Smoking scored in at 14.5, whereas vaping had a dependence score of just 8.1. Nicotine was also a significant factor, with those vaping with zero nicotine having far lower dependence than the rest, as would seem obvious to most.

By switching to e-cigarettes, smokers were able to wean themselves off the dangerous cocktail of chemicals responsible for the addictiveness – and the deadly aftertaste – of cigarettes.

Once upon a time, quitting smoking felt more like a mandate from the government than something of our own volition. But we can’t help it: humans always want to move forward. Innovation is in our nature. Letters were replaced by emails, paper books usurped by ebooks and tablets, and cigarettes have been dethroned by something far healthier, more convenient and, if you’ve seen our incredible collection of starter kits and mods, more befitting the 21st century. With every published study, embracing your future as a non-smoker becomes that much more effortlessly achievable.