Quit Smoking: The Why I Smoke Test

GMU Health Education: Quit Smoking

The Why I Smoke Test

Please answer each of the following questions and then follow the directions at the end of the test to discover the reason(s) why you smoke.

1 = Never 2 = Seldom 3 = Occasionally 4 = Frequently 5 = Always
	1	2	3	4	5
A. I smoke to keep from slowing down.
B. Handling a cigarette is part of the enjoyment.
C. Smoking cigarettes is pleasant and relaxing.
D. I light up a cigarette when I'm upset about something.
E. When I run out of cigarettes I find it almost unbearable.
F. I smoke automatically without even being aware of it.
G. I smoke to perk myself up.
H. Part of the enjoyment of smoking comes from the steps I take to light it up.
I. I find cigarettes pleasurable.
J. When I feel uncomfortable about something, I light up a cigarette.
K. I am very much aware of the fact when I am not smoking.
L. I light up a cigarette without realizing I still have one burning in the ashtray.
M. I smoke to give myself a "lift".
N. Part of the enjoyment of smoking is in watching the smoke I inhale.
O. I want a cigarette most when I am comfortable and relaxed.
P. When I feel "blue" or want to take my mind off my cares, I smoke a cigarette.
Q. I get a real craving for a cigarette when I haven't smoked for a while.
R. I've found a cigarette in my mouth and didn't remember having put it there.

Add Your Score

1. Enter the number you entered for each statement in the space provided, putting the number for statement "A" in the Section A box, the number for statement "B" in the Section B box, and so on.

2. Once you have entered all of the section scores, total the scores you entered on each horizontal line and enter this total in the total box on the right hand column of each line. For example, the sum of your scores you enter in the Section A, G and M boxes gives you your total score for the "Stimulation" category.

Section A: Section G: Section M:
Stimulation Total:

Section B: Section H: Section N:
Handling Total:

Section C: Section I: Section O:
Pleasure Total:

Section D: Section J: Section P:
Relaxation/TensionTotal:

Section E: Section K: Section Q:
Craving Total:

Section F: Section L: Section R:
Habit Total:

3. Analyze your scores. A score of 11 or more indicates an important reason. The higher your score (15 or higher) the more important the reason. When you know what you desire from smoking, you can look for satisfying substitutes, which will make quitting easier.

Our program at GMU is designed to meet your individual needs. If you need help to develop strategies to Quit Smoking, please contact Health Education Services (703) 993-3690/3686 or Suzanne Molloy or Maureen Haberman at Student Health Services (703) 993-2831

Adapted from: National Cancer Institute.

Return to Smoking Cessation Tool

Health Education Services
(703) 993-3690/3686
SUB I, Room 219J

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