Question

Which symptoms are a sign you are addicted to nicotine? Check all that apply.

You have your first cigarette soon after waking up.
Cutting back produces headaches.
You tried to quit, but started smoking again after four days.
You stop smoking when you’re sick.
You will choose buying lunch over buying a pack of cigarettes.

Answer 1

Check the first three options.

- You have your first cigarette soon after waking up — Yes. Time-to-first-cigarette is a strong indicator of nicotine dependence (the sooner, the higher the dependence).
- Cutting back produces headaches — Yes. Withdrawal symptoms (headaches, irritability, anxiety, cravings, trouble concentrating, etc.) when you reduce or stop nicotine indicate dependence.
- You tried to quit, but started smoking again after four days — Yes. Relapsing quickly after a quit attempt is a common sign of dependence.

The last two are not signs of addiction:
- You stop smoking when you’re sick — Not necessarily a sign of addiction; it suggests you can abstain when motivated.
- You will choose buying lunch over buying a pack of cigarettes — Not a sign of addiction; it suggests cigarettes are not your top priority.

If you’re concerned about nicotine dependence and want to quit, consider talking to a healthcare provider or looking into counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or quitlines for support.