Fagerström test
Peer reviewed by Dr John Cox, MRCGPLast updated by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPLast updated 9 Nov 2017
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
The Fagerström test is a questionnaire that can be used to see whether you are addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes.
In this article:
Video picks for Smoking and vaping
Continue reading below
Nicotine Dependence Test
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.
Fewer than 4 points = less dependent.
The higher your score, the more likely you are to have withdrawal symptoms if you give up smoking; also, the withdrawal symptoms are likely to be stronger.
Patient picks for Smoking and vaping
Healthy living
Are e-cigarettes a safe way to quit smoking?
If you're looking to stop smoking for Stoptober, you may have considered using e-cigarettes as a quitting tool. Small battery-powered devices, which allow you to inhale nicotine through a vapour, they have become increasingly popular among smokers and ex-smokers alike. According to a survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), around 2.9 million British adults used e-cigarettes in 2017.
by Abi Millar
Healthy living
The best ways to quit smoking for good
It's never too late to quit smoking, but that doesn't make it an easy thing to do. Luckily, there are loads of support options for those who want to stop. We speak to the experts about the best ways to quit, and chat with television presenter Jeremy Kyle about his journey to a smoke-free life.
by Natalie Healey
Continue reading below
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
9 Nov 2017 | Latest version
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.