Which of the following is a sign that a patient is dependent on nicotine?

Smoking immediately after waking up is a strong indicator of nicotine dependence. This behavior is often related to the body’s physical dependence on nicotine, as it reflects the urge to relieve withdrawal symptoms that may develop overnight during sleep when nicotine levels have dropped. For individuals who are dependent on nicotine, this first cigarette of the day is commonly sought out to quickly restore nicotine levels in the body, which can alleviate cravings and discomfort.

In contrast, smoking less than half a pack a day does not necessarily indicate dependence, as some smokers may only consume a small amount without having a strong addiction. The absence of cravings during the day suggests that the person might not be dependent on nicotine, as those who are dependent typically experience cravings when they haven’t smoked for a while. Finally, the use of brands with less than 0.5mg nicotine does not inherently reflect dependence; individuals may choose such brands for a variety of reasons unrelated to the severity of their dependence on nicotine.