Quit
smoking

Smoking adults

You can assess your level of dependence with a short two-question test. The test is based on the widely used Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence, which is used to evaluate the severity of dependence caused by smoking. The test provides guidance on what types of support may be useful to consider.

  1. 1

    How soon after waking up do you smoke your first cigarette?

    a) Within 6 minutes (3 points)

    b) 6–30 minutes (2 points)

    c) 31–60 minutes (1 point)

    d) More than 60 minutes (0 points)

  2. 2

    How many cigarettes do you smoke daily?

    a) Less than 10 cigarettes (0 points)

    b) 11–20 cigarettes (1 point)

    c) 21–30 cigarettes (2 points)

    d) More than 30 cigarettes (3 points)

  3. 3

    Results:

    0–1 points = low dependence

    2 points = moderate

    3 points = strong

    4–6 points = very strong

Individuals who user tobacco or nicotine products

If you smoke occasionally or use other tobacco or nicotine products, you can assess the strength of your dependence using the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC). The test is designed to detect the early signs of dependence and is therefore particularly suitable for young people.

Think about the nicotine product you use.

  1. Have you ever tried to stop using it but were unsuccessful? (Yes/No)
  2. Do you currently use it because it is difficult to quit? (Yes/No)
  3. Have you ever felt that you are dependent on it? (Yes/No)
  4. Have you ever had a strong craving for it? (Yes/No)
  5. Have you ever felt that you really need it? (Yes/No)
  6. Do you find it difficult not to use it in places where it is not allowed? (Yes/No)

 

When you tried to stop using the nicotine product…

  1. It was difficult to concentrate because you could not use it. (Yes/No)
  2. You felt more irritable because you could not use it. (Yes/No)
  3. You had a strong desire or need to use it. (Yes/No)
  4. You were nervous, restless or anxious because you could not use it. (Yes/No)

How to interpret your score

You receive one point for each question you answered "yes".

Even one point indicates that there are signs of dependence and that control over smoking or other nicotine product use is partly lost.

The more points you score, the more strongly you are "hooked" on nicotine. The test does not classify levels of dependence.