Case Lab · Type A · Foundation

F17

Just a habit, or dependence syndrome?

Helen, 50, has smoked about a pack a day for 25 years and lights her first cigarette within minutes of waking. She was diagnosed with a smoking-related lung condition eight months ago and has tried to quit twice since, both times returning to her previous level of smoking within days despite genuinely wanting to stop. She finds it very difficult to go more than an hour without smoking during the day.