Nicotine Dependece
May 15, 2015
The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence is a standard instrument for assessing the intensity of physical addiction to nicotine. The test was designed to provide an ordinal measure of nicotine dependence related to cigarette smoking. It contains six items that evaluate the quantity of cigarette consumption, the compulsion to use, and dependence.
1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette?
After 60 minutes 0
31-60 minutes 1
6-30 minutes 2
Within 5 minutes 3
2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden?
No 0
Yes 1
3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up?
The first in the morning 1
Any other 0
4. How many cigarettes per day do you smoke?
10 or less 0
11-20 1
21-30 2
31 or more 3
5. Do you smoke more frequently during the first hours after awakening than during the rest of the day?
No 0
Yes 1
6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
No 0
Yes 1
SCORE NICOTINE DEPENDENCE
0 No Dependence
1-2 Low Dependence
3-5 Moderately Dependent
6-8 Highly Dependent
9-10 Very Dependent
If you scored in the Moderately, Highly, or Very Highly Dependent Level you may want to speak to a professional for further screening.
Under 3
Your level of nicotine dependence is still low. You should act now before your level of dependence increases.
4-5
Your level of nicotine dependence is moderate. If you don't quit soon, your level of dependence on nicotine will increase until you may be seriously addicted. Act now to end your dependence on nicotine.
6-10
Your level of dependence is high. You aren't in control of your smoking– it is in control of you! When you make the decision to quit, you may want to talk with your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or other medications to help you break your addiction.