Successful tobacco control may result in a higher dependence among the remaining smokers (due to selective quitting by low-dependent smokers). The remaining highly dependent smokers may need more intensive treatment.

Our study demonstrates that the intensity of nicotine dependence, several conditions of craving for nicotine, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression appear to be enhanced in alcohol-dependent smokers compared with non-alcohol-dependent smokers. Conclusions. - It is hoped that the factors of craving and reasons for smoking identified in this study will contribute to a better understanding of smoking temptation in alcohol-dependent smokers and non-alcohol-dependent smokers in future.

Strengthening rest-break intentions may help to increase rest-break behavior to avoid the buildup of fatigue and distress over a workday.

In our research on smoking and nicotine dependence we have noticed a sleep disturbance, which is a further symptom of extreme nicotine dependence. We call this symptom "nocturnal sleep-disturbing nicotine craving" (NSDNC). NSDNC is characterised by craving for cigarettes during the individual sleep times. The smoker awakes (one or several times per week) during his regular sleep time, and has to smoke a cigarette before he/she continues sleeping. This symptom can be explained by the decreasing nicotine levels during the sleep time, which results in nicotine craving. However, NSDNC should be carefully separated from other sleep disturbances, or sleep disturbing events (nycturia, medication side effects), when nicotine craving is not the main reason for awakening.

Low compliance is suspected as a major reason for treatment failure in hypertensive patients. To identify patients with low compliance at the commencement of antihypertensive treatment, the compliance praxis survey (COMPASS) was utilised. A total of 161 physicians identified 2389 hypertensive patients treated by ACEinhibitor. The physicians rated the compliance of the patients at baseline and at 6-month follow-up prospectively. Standard care was given. The mean age of patients was 64.5 years (54.4% women). The baseline overall score of compliance was medium to high in 97.3% of patients. A quarter of all patients (24.7%) were described as having difficulties to follow lifestyle changes, 22.3% lacked sufficient social support, and 31.0% were unwilling to obtain additional information about illness and treatment. Patients who had received prior treatment for cardiovascular disease were less compliant than those who received first treatment within this study (P ¼ 0.05). Younger (Po0.01), male patients (Po0.01), and those without prior cardiovascular disease (Po0.001) were significantly more likely to stop the antihypertensive treatment without a doctor's recommendation. Doctors' rating of compliance at baseline correlated well with ongoing treatment at 6-month follow-up. In conclusion, the COMPASS survey questionnaire is a useful instrument for doctors to differentiate between patients who lack resources and to then counsel patients based on their individual needs.