Nicotine is the substance that keeps many people using tobacco and other nicotine products. While it can lead to dependence, it is the toxic substances produced by tobacco combustion—not nicotine itself—that are responsible for most smoking-related diseases.
Many people report that nicotine provides benefits such as improved concentration, alertness or relief from stress or cravings. These perceived benefits, together with nicotine dependence and behavioural habits associated with smoking, can make quitting difficult.
Tobacco harm reduction recognises that while some people continue to use nicotine, switching completely from combustible cigarettes to safer nicotine products can substantially reduce their exposure to the toxic substances produced by tobacco combustion.