Understanding Nicotine Dependence: Measurement & Levels

As the vast majority of cigarette smokers will tell you, nicotine addicton is quite potent. It is exceptionally difficult to quit smoking cigarettes after you're already hooked. However, there are levels of nicotine addiction along with tangible methods of measuring these levels. The lower the level of nicotine dependence, the easier it is to cease and desist from smoking.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Printer
• Pencil or pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Print out the Karl Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Questionnaire. You can find this online at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center site. The Fagerstrom Dependence questionnaire is a direct descendant of the Fagerstrom Nicotine Tolerance Questionnaire, which is comprised of eight questions and was established by Karl Fagerstrom in 1978. The questionnaire has been recognized for its accuracy by several reputable institutions, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

• 2

  Answer the questions, which are multiple choice are quite basic and simple to answer. They include such diagnostic queries as "How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette?" and "Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?"

• 3

  Add up the points. Each one of the multiple choices per question has a point value assigned to it. If you have a point value of five or more after adding up all of the points, you have a serious dependence. If you have a point value of four or less, you have an average to low nicotine dependence.