In this paper the utility of the concept of craving in the explanation of s
moking behaviour both in abstinence and in the resumption of smoking is exp
lored. The experience of craving is suggested to be one of the foremost sym
ptoms of withdrawal, and a major cause of relapse, and yet there is no stan
dardised tool for measuring craving, neither has any agreement ever been re
ached concerning the precise meaning of the term. Estimates of the prevalen
ce of craving vary widely. Predictions of craving during abstinence have fo
cused on pre-cessation smoking habits, but evidence implies that high pre-c
essation craving leads to high craving during abstinence, and has also sugg
ested that craving can be maintained by smoking. Pharmacological aids used
to relieve craving in smoking cessation have not had convincing results, an
d psychological and motivational aspects and expectancies may also play a p
art in generating craving. Questions relating to the concept of craving in
need of attention in research are highlighted and future directions for res
earch recommended.