The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence

Score each of the following questions (the scores are given in brackets)

1. How soon after you wake up do you have your first cigarette?

A. Within 5 minutes (3)
B. 6-30 minutes (2)
C. 31-60 minutes (1)
D. After 60 minutes (0)

2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden, eg in church, the library, the cinema, etc?

A. Yes (1)
B. No (0)

3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up?

A. The first one in the morning (1)
B. All others (0)

4. How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?

A. 10 or fewer (0)
B. 11-20 (1)
C. 21-30 (2)
D. 31 or more (3)

5. Do you smoke more often during the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day?

A. Yes (1)
B. No (0)

6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?

A. Yes (1)
B. No (0)

Now add up your score

7 to 10 points = highly dependent on nicotine.
4 to 6 points = moderately dependent on nicotine.
Less than 4 points = less dependent.

The higher your score, the more likely you are to have withdrawal symptoms if you give up smoking, and the withdrawal symptoms are likely to be stronger.

References

• Heatherton TF, Kozlowski LT, Frecker RC, et al; The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: a revision of the Fagerstrom Br J Addict. 1991 Sep;86(9):1119-27. [abstract]