Tobacco users also were more likely to smoke marijuana, and engage in binge drinking. They reported more sexual partners and spent more time socializing. The authors note that other research indicates an increase in smoking among young people. They warn that the trend could reverse the decline in smoking that has occurred among U.S. adults during the past 50 years. J. Richard Hickman, Jr., M.D., M.P.H., chairman of preventive and occupational medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., says the findings illustrate the need for anti-smoking efforts aimed at college students.
High school is often our last organized preventive focus for many teenagers.
For those who go on to college, another opportunity arises to deter smoking in young people. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Negative news coverage of these issues is pervasive and may serve to reinforce exaggerated misperceptions of actual substance use norms. Our awareness of this news coverage should strengthen our resolve not only to address AOD problems on campus, but also to advocate for news coverage that draws public attention to the responsible majority of college students. No official support or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education is intended or should be inferred.