Quit Smoking for World No Tobacco Day (31-May)
Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Quitting tobacco is the most important thing you can do to protect your health (AHRQ) Quitting by willpower only 40% of smokers try to quit each year . The success rate of those who quit on their own is about 5% and with self-help books it is about 10%. Most smokers make 5-10 attempts to quit. Unsuccessful attempts to quit are a sign of nicotine dependence. 85% of current daily smokers are nicotine dependent Signs of nicotine dependence Tolerance - Increasing the number of cigarettes smoked per day (Most smokers escalate to a pack) Withdrawal - Mood changes, irritation, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness when unable to smoke Loss of control - Most smokers do not intend to continue, but 5 years later 70% do Increased time spent using the drug - Leaving office/ work-site to smoke Continued use despite harm - cough, hypertension, heart disease Giving up important activities - air travel Are you nicotine dependent? Take the Fagerstrom Te...