Public Health England has estimated that because of e-cigarettes, there are up to 57,000 additional quitters annually in England, who in the absence of the devices might still be smoking. In 2018, more than half (52%) of the e-cigarette users in Great Britain were ex-smokers – around 1.7 million adults.

Among all ex-smokers, nearly one in ten (9.5%) regularly used e-cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes by smokers who want to quit smoking increases their chance of success. An analysis of the use of e-cigarettes by smokers in England over ten years (2006 to 2015) found that smokers who used them as part of their attempts to quit smoking were more likely to be successful than those who did not use them23. Smokers who try to quit smoking on their own without professional help are around 60% more likely to quit if they use e-cigarettes than if they use nicotine replacement therapy bought over the counter from a pharmacist, or if they try to quit without any nicotine products24. Data from local stop smoking services in England also show the value of using e-cigarettes as well as professional support and licensed stop smoking medicines.

In 2017/18, the smokers who achieved the highest quit rate (74%) were those who used e-cigarettes after using licensed medication25. In addition, the second highest quit rate (60%) belonged to those who used this combination concurrently25. Most stop smoking services in England now support the use of e-cigarettes by their users. In 2017, 75% of stop smoking services in England supported the use of e-cigarettes and 25% said they ‘neither support nor discourage’ their use. No services actively discouraged the use of e-cigarettes by smokers seeking help26. The most recent guidance for health professionals from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states the following27: “For people who smoke and who are using, or are interested in using, a nicotine-containing e-cigarette on general sale to quit smoking, explain that: • Although these products are not licensed medicines, they are regulated by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 • Many people have found them helpful to quit smoking cigarettes • People using e-cigarettes should stop smoking tobacco completely, because any smoking is harmful • The evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are substantially less harmful to health than smoking but are not risk free • The evidence in this area is still developing, including evidence on the long-term health impact.”

In addition, the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT)28 has produced professional guidance on the use of e-cigarettes. It recommends that stop smoking services should be open to e-cigarette use in people keen to use them to help them quit. Cancer Research UK and The Royal College of General Practitioners have released a joint position statement supporting the use of e-cigarettes as a means to quitting27.