Based on nicotine dependence testing, how is a patient classified if they smoke 15 cigarettes a day but attend social events without smoking?

The classification of a patient who smokes 15 cigarettes a day but can attend social events without smoking suggests a level of nicotine dependence that is significantly lower than those who feel compelled to smoke in various situations. Very low dependence typically describes individuals who may not feel cravings to smoke outside of their regular routine or are able to abstain in social settings without significant discomfort.

This patient’s behavior—smoking daily, but not feeling the need to smoke during social interactions—indicates that while they do have a daily habit, they maintain a level of control over their smoking. The ability to refrain from smoking in social environments, which often trigger urges for those with higher dependence, suggests that their smoking behavior is not deeply ingrained or compulsive. This aligns with the criteria for very low dependence, which takes into account not only the frequency of smoking but also the individual's responsiveness to situational triggers.

In contrast, higher levels of dependence, such as low, moderate, or high, would imply an increasing inability to control smoking behavior in various circumstances, which does not apply in this scenario. Therefore, considering these factors, classifying this patient as having very low dependence is reasonable and reflects their specific smoking patterns and social adaptability.