In a promising breakthrough for teen health, a recent clinical trial has spotlighted a powerful new option to help young people quit vaping: the drug varenicline. Known for aiding adult smokers in their efforts to quit, varenicline now shows potential in helping teens break free from nicotine addiction – an escalating crisis in schools across the globe.
The trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on April 23, involved 175 participants aged 16 to 25. Over 12 weeks, one group received varenicline paired with counseling and text-based support, while a control group received a placebo and the same support.
The results were striking: 51% of teens in the varenicline group completely stopped vaping in the final four weeks, compared to just 14% in the placebo group. Even three months after the trial ended, 28% of those who had taken varenicline remained vape-free, quadruple the success rate of the control group.
This matters because nicotine exposure through vaping during adolescence can severely disrupt brain development. The teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to addiction, with neural pathways still forming that affect decision-making, emotional regulation, and memory.
With nearly 1.2 million high school students reportedly using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, and many of them vaping daily, the need for effective cessation strategies has never been more urgent.
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Dr. Lindy McGee, a pediatrician at Baylor College of Medicine, sees these findings as a game changer. “For one of the most addictive substances we have, the 28% quit rate at 24 weeks is pretty good,” she says.
She also highlights varenicline’s advantage as a twice-a-day pill that can be taken outside school hours, avoiding the need for school nurse involvement required by some nicotine replacement therapies like gum or lozenges.
Approved under the brand name Chantix for adult smoking cessation, varenicline works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain. This reduces the pleasurable effects of nicotine and alleviates withdrawal symptoms. In the trial, participants reported reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the quitting process less daunting.
Still, some challenges remain. State laws vary on whether minors can receive prescription medication without parental consent. McGee encourages teens to involve their parents when possible, but recognizes that safety must come first.
Moreover, successful cessation often requires more than just medication. McGee incorporates mental health screenings and helps teens define their personal motivations and goals for quitting.
For teens addicted to vaping, varenicline offers a beacon of hope. With counseling, peer support, and now an additional medical option, young people stand a better chance of regaining control over their health. As McGee puts it, “I’m glad to know there is something else potentially in my toolbox.”
As vaping rates remain high among adolescents, this new tool could reshape how doctors, parents, and teens tackle nicotine addiction, turning the tide on a pressing public health issue.
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