Many cigarette smokers have used electronic cigarettes to reduce and eventually eliminate  their nicotine addiction.

Compared to regular cigarettes the electronic type are much healthier and deliver precise doses of nicotine. While they are safer than regular cigarettes and suitable as an alternative they can also be effective as smoking cessation aids.

Electronic cigarettes work with nicotine infused solutions. These solutions are available in a range of doses. People who want to quit smoking can gradually reduce the concentration of nicotine they inhale. It is similar to patch or nicotine gum therapies  and allows people who are addicted to slowly acclimate to the reduced consumption of the drug.

The effects of nicotine withdrawal can be severe, particularly in long term smokers, and causes many people who want to quit to restart the habit. Attempting to quit cold turkey, suddenly stopping all cigarette use, results in very significant withdrawal symptoms. The step down method made possible with electronic cigarettes reduces the severity of symptoms, potentially to the point where they are barely noticeable.

Using electronic cigarettes is much safer then smoking, this means that anyone that is quitting can take their time and feel confident they are at least no longer causing significant damage to their body. A quitting schedule extended by a month or two can have a substantial impact on withdrawal symptoms.