MEASURING NICOTINE DEPENDENCE AMONG HIGH-RISK ADOLESCENT SMOKERS

In the present study we tested our hypothesis that because of the high er prevalence and greater intensity of cigarette smoking among vocatio nal-technical students (N = 110; 51.8% males; mean age 17 years), adol escents might demonstrate the nicotine dependence patterns comparable to those measured in a similar fashion in a group of adult smokers (N = 173; 50% males; mean age 42 years). A modified version of the Fagers trom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) utilized in the adolescent sample w as coded to make it comparable to the original FTQ used in the adult s ample. The tests of item structure and internal consistency of the mod ified FTQ for adolescents were satisfactory; the overall mean FTQ scor e correlated significantly with the intensity and duration of smoking. Although the FTQ values were generally lower in the adolescent sample , 20% of students had an overall FTQ score of 6 and above, indicating substantial nicotine dependence (compared to 49% in adults). Reasons f or failure of the existing adolescent smoking cessation programs as we ll as the rationale for adding a nicotine replacement option to the be havioral smoking cessation treatment for a subset of high-risk nicotin e-dependent adolescents are discussed.