OBJECTIVE: As part of an "outcomes program" on smoking cessation, we thought it relevant to evaluate in smokers under 25 years of age the obstacles to cessation, the level of dependency, the knowledge of tobacco dependency and the propensity to pay for cessation treatment. METHOD: For this pilot phase, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed in the "Etudiant" supplement of a French regional weekly newspaper. RESULTS: Obstacle to cessation: lack of willpower (51%), enjoyment of smoking (32%), force of habit (46%) The level of dependency on tobacco was evaluated using the Fagerström test: 48% had low dependency, 48% moderate dependency and 2% high dependency. In general, our sample population had a good general knowledge and understanding of tobacco use (number of premature deaths per year, percentage of smokers in France, cost of tobacco for health insurance). Average daily tobacco expenses were €2.3 (roughly corresponding to an average consumption of 10 cigarettes/day), and the subjects declared themselves ready to pay around €83 to stop smoking (€157 in older adults). This figure is relatively low and is explained without doubt by an underestimation of the potential risks of tobacco dependency. CONCLUSION: Young people are a population whose dependency level is mainly low or moderate, a fact that enables - with appropriate but generalised mobilization (doctor, educator, pharmacist, family) - a smoking cessation attempt to succeed.