Levels of nicotine dependence

Levels of nicotine dependence

Number of cigarettes smoked daily is not a reliable indicator of the degree of smoking: two people can smoke the same number of cigarettes, but one can inhale 20 times more nicotine than the other, depending on the frequency and depth of inhalation of cigarette smoke .
There are several degrees of nicotine dependence: mild, medium, strong and very strong.
Degree of nicotine dependence can be measured by Fagerstrom questionnaire.
Levels of nicotine dependence
1. How long after waking smoke your first cigarette?
- Less than 10 0
- Between 11 and 20 January
- Between 21 and 30 February
-than March 31
2. It seems difficult not to smoke in public places? (cinema, library, etc.).
- Yes 1
- No 0
3. Which seem indispensable cigarette?
- First (1)
- Any other (0)
4. How many cigarettes you smoke on average per day?
- Less than 10
0
- Between 11 and 20 January
- Between 21 and 30 February
-than March 31
5. Smoke more frequently during the first hours after waking than the rest of the day?
- Yes 1
- No 0
6. Smoke even if you are ill (a) and must stay in bed?
- Yes 1
- No 0
 Levels of nicotine dependence
Interpretation of results:
0-2 Very low dependence
3-4 mild dependence
5 average dependence
6-7 strong dependence
8 to 10 very strong dependence
Levels of nicotine dependence
Physiological level of intoxication can be determined by tests conducted by medical personnel:
  - The concentration of exhaled carbon monoxide, measured in ppm (parts per million) - measured immediately after smoking one cigarette. This test works on the same principle as Alcooltest.
  - Determination of plasma or urinary cotinine. Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine.
Order to assess the degree of dependence is to determine the optimal method of treatment, and dose nicotine substitute, if applicable, and during its use.