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Definitions

The glossary of defined terms used across this platform. Each definition is written to be clear, stable, and consistent between the main site and the data site. Where a term has a formal technical meaning, the plain-language version is given first.

Core terms

Term Definition
Abstinence Sustained non-smoking over a defined period (e.g., continuous abstinence since a quit date).
Craving An intense urge to smoke; has a pharmacological component (nicotine-adapted brain) and a conditioned component (triggers).
Trigger A cue — internal (stress, alcohol, boredom) or external (coffee, driving, social events) — that activates the urge to smoke.
Withdrawal The symptom syndrome that follows nicotine removal as the brain and body re-adapt; peaks in week 1, mostly resolves in 2–4 weeks.
Lapse A single slip — one or a few cigarettes after a quit date. Not the end of the quit attempt.
Relapse Return to regular, ongoing smoking; the quit attempt has ended.
Quit attempt A deliberate, dated attempt to stop smoking, regardless of outcome.
Quit date The planned day smoking stops.
Nicotine dependence Neuroadaptation to nicotine producing craving, tolerance and withdrawal on removal.
NRT Nicotine replacement therapy: patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or spray delivering nicotine without tobacco smoke.
Cold turkey Stopping smoking abruptly, without medication or gradual reduction.
Gradual reduction Tapering cigarette consumption before a quit date, with or without nicotine products.
Harm reduction Strategies to reduce harm without full abstinence (e.g., switching to lower-risk nicotine products); distinct from cessation.
Dual use Using e-cigarettes or other products while still smoking cigarettes.
Evidence strength Grading of a research record: Strong / Moderate / Limited, based on design and consistency.

Evidence vocabulary used on this platform

Phrase Meaning
Evidence says… Statement supported by published research at evidence levels 1–5 (see Research).
Community reports… Observation drawn from the de-identified experience database — not medical evidence.
What remains uncertain… Genuine gaps or conflicts in the published evidence.