Co-occurrence of alcohol and cigarette use among adolescents

Concurrent use of alcohol and cigarettes among adolescents is a serious pub lic health issue. Trends in concurrent use of alcohol and cigarettes were d etermined using data from three comparable large statewide samples of 7-12t h-grade students in New York State. from surveys conducted in 1983, 1990, a nd 1994. The prevalence of use of alcohol and cigarettes decreased from 198 3 (23%) to 1990 (19%), and increased by 1994 (22%). Logistic regression ana lysis showed that these trends are highly significant, and that the probabi lity of use of alcohol and cigarettes is higher for females than males, inc reases with age, and is lower for most ethnic minorities than for Whites. I n the 1990s, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians increased in their probability o f concurrent use more than did Whites. Users of both alcohol and cigarettes are at increased risk of personal and social problems, as well as increase d risk of delinquency. Drinking and smoking show synergistic effects on ill icit drug use and drug problems. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.