To make a rapid assessment of nicotine dependence, ask:
How many minutes after waking do you smoke your first cigarette?
How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
Have you had cravings and withdrawal symptoms in previous quit attempts?
Nicotine dependence is likely when the patient
smokes within 30 minutes of waking or
smokes more than 10 cigarettes per day* or
has a history of withdrawal symptoms during previous quit attempts.
Patients who have had withdrawal symptoms before can expect to experience them in subsequent attempts.
For a more detailed assessment using the modified Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, see the RACGP smoking cessation guidelines.
* RACGP guidelines state a threshold of 15 cigarettes per day; there is no consensus on the precise number.
Date published: 01 February 2011
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. NPS MedicineWise disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer. This website uses cookies. Read our privacy policy.
