I started smoking at an older age than most (24) when I was in the Navy. I quit many times over the next 20 years, but always ended up smoking again. I bought my first electronic cigarette in 2010. My goal at the time was to spend less money on cigarettes, and hopefully cut down on the amount that I smoked. I was able to cut back on my smoking immediately. In a few months, with a little willpower, I was able to stop smoking completely. I still have an occasional cigarette, but my consumption can now be measured in cigarettes per year, not packs per day. I have noticed improved breathing and lung function since I switched to electronic cigarettes. My resting pulse rate is lower. I have not noticed any increased sensation of taste or smell, but that never happened when I quit cold turkey, either. I do believe that electronic cigarettes offer the best available option for people who know they need to quit smoking for their health, but don’t want to quit because they enjoy it. The standard NRT’s that I tried don’t work nearly as well. I have been able to reduce the the amount of nicotine in the liquids that I use. Electronic cigarettes may not work for everyone, but they have had a significant positive impact on me and several people I know.