It has helped me tremendously, in fact from day one that I picked up an ecig I never had the urge to smoke another cigarette, and in the beginning I had no intentions of quitting, I simply bought a disposable out of curiosity and was instantly converted. This may not be the case for all, though. Ecigs are very subjective, and what works for many others may not work for your boyfriend and what works for your boyfriend may not work for others, etc. My wife still smokes cigarettes (that is her choice) and to be honest it doesn't bother me other than I don't care for the smell of a cigarette anymore. She lites up in the car and I vape. The fact that she smokes around me doesn't make me want a cigarette, it makes me want to vape on some sweet e-liquid!
I suggest getting him a couple eGo batteries, a charger and a handful of clearomizers. For e-liquid I would suggest buying some sample packs so that he can find a taste he likes, whatever that may be. Good luck!
