Measuring degree of physical dependence to tobacco smoking with reference to individualization of treatment

https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4603(78)90024-2Get rights and content

Abstract

The validity of the Tolerance Questionnaire, intended to measure physical dependence to nicotine, was tested in three experiments. The indicators of physical dependence employed in the three experiments were (1) A withdrawal response defined as change in body temperature. (2) Degree of acquired increase in tolerance defined as heart rate increase for regular smokers while smoking a cigarette and (3) Initial tolerance defined as heart rate increase for ex-smokers while smoking a cigarette. Significant correlations between physical dependence, as measured by the Tolerance Questionnaire, and degree of acquired increase in tolerance and the temperature withdrawal response was found. The results suggest that smokers' degree of physical dependence can be estimated. Its significance for individualizing smoking withdrawal treatment is subsequently discussed.

References (20)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

Requests for reprints should be sent to: Karl-Olov Fagerström, The Smoking Withdrawal Clinic, Ulleråker Hospital, S-750 17 Uppsala, Sweden.

View full text