Guidance from NICE recommends a harm reduction approach to dealing with tobacco. The aim of the guidance is to provide an alternative approach to abrupt cessation for certain individuals by using NRT to cut down the number of cigarettes smoked. NRT is considered to be a safer alternative to smoking as it contains only nicotine and not tar, which is the primary source of harm from tobacco. 

Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine by inhalation. Although current data available suggest that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, it is insufficient to conclude that e-cigarettes are safe in absolute terms. According to Public Health England, the best estimate is that e-cigarettes are around 95 per cent less harmful than smoking. Further studies are needed to comprehensively assess their safety, particularly in the long term. To reduce risk of nicotine toxicity maximum strengths of 20mg/ml came into force on 20 May 2017.