A newly published study commissioned by the HSE Health and Wellbeing, Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, has mapped out the international best practices for helping individuals quit vaping and non-combustible nicotine products. Published recently in the journal Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, this rapid review evaluated 23 studies involving 10,373 participants to identify the most effective ways to support people in becoming entirely nicotine-free.
The research was led by experts from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in collaboration with HSE and University College Cork public health professionals. It highlights an emerging challenge that the rapid rise of e-cigarettes and non-combustible nicotine products requires new services and supports to meet this particular need.
Non-combustible nicotine products have increased in popularity and availability in Ireland through nicotine pouches which are small pouches of powder containing synthetic nicotine. These are often called ‘snus’ by young people with whom they are popular, but technically they do not contain tobacco and are not the traditional type of oral tobacco, snus, which is still legal in Sweden. This form of oral nicotine product is made in a lab and not from tobacco; it contains flavourings, sweeteners, fillers and other chemicals. Nicotine pouches are not yet covered by the same laws as tobacco products. Currently they can be sold in any store to any age and there are no advertising or flavour restrictions. It can also be hard to know if someone is using a nicotine pouch. New restrictions on the sale and advertising of nicotine pouches are to be introduced. The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 has not been finalised yet but is set to prohibit the sale of nicotine consumption products, such as pouches, to under-18s.
The review found that while current nicotine cessation interventions score highly for relevance and short-term effectiveness, public health services need to do more to build long-term sustainability and involve community stakeholders in programme design.
Crucially, the study synthesized what ‘people who vape’ and ‘who use non-combustible nicotine like pouches’, look for in a cessation programme, pointing to some clear treatment preferences. These include:
Digital and Remote Delivery
Users heavily prefer private, highly accessible remote options like text message programs and mobile apps over traditional clinic visits.
Low-Burden, Interactive Content
Programmes that offer quick, on-demand tips and interactive visual aids are far more engaging than text-heavy informational leaflets.
Human Coaching
Access to a dedicated quit coach or supportive remote staff remains a vital component that significantly boosts a user’s confidence.
Autonomy and Flexibility
Interventions that empower individuals, such as allowing them to set or reset their own quit dates, see much higher engagement, particularly among young adults.
These insights provide a valuable roadmap for the HSE as it develops supports for those using nicotine in these formats.