Step 1
| Fagerstrom Tolerance Test* | 0 | 1 | 2 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How soon after you wake do you smoke? | After 30 mins | Within 30 mins | ||
| Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking where it is forbidden | No | Yes | ||
| Which cigarette would you most be unwilling to give up? | Any other | First one in the morning | ||
| Do you smoke more in the morning than the rest of the day? | No | Yes | ||
| How many cigarettes do you smoke each day? | Up to 15 | 16-25 | >25 | |
| Do you smoke if you are so ill that you are in bed all day? | No | Yes | ||
| What is the nicotine level of your usual brand of cigarettes? | Up to .9mg | 1-1.2mg | >1.3mg | |
| Do you inhale the smoke from your cigarette? | No | Sometimes | Always | |
| Total Score |
Step 2
| Score | Cigarettes per Day | Recommended Dosage of NRT |
|---|---|---|
| 0 -3 Low nicotine dependence |
0-10 | 10 mgs if required |
| 4-6 Moderate nicotine dependent |
11-20 | 15 mgs |
| 7 + High nicotine dependent |
20+ | 25 mgs |
Points to note
- NRT patches are applied for 16 hours. Apply in the morning and remove at night
- For best results patients need to remain on NRT for 12 weeks
- For pregnant clients advise smoking cessation and /or NRT
For High Dependency Smokers a 3 step down programme is recommended
- 8 weeks on 25mgs: 9-10 weeks at 15mgs and 11-12 weeks – 10mgs
For Moderate to Low Dependency smokers a 2 step down programme is recommended
- 8 weeks at 15mgs: 9-10 weeks at 10mgs and 11-12 weeks at 10 mgs
Step 3
Offer Support - CUH Smoking Cessation Services ext 22280 / 087-1219633
Links
*Ref: The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (1991): A revision of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Scale.
British Journal of Addictions, 86, 1119-1127.