Young people who use tobacco are more likely than others to drink heavily later or use illicit drugs. If we can successfully keep our young people from smoking, we may help prevent other drug use. There was an expansion of the drug use epidemic from the 1960's into the late 1970's, a subsequent turnaround and decline which lasted through 1991, and a resurgence in use since 1991. Fewer young people see harm in using drugs. Yet, understanding the harms associated with drug use is one of the greatest deterrents to drug use by youth.
Young people report that getting alcohol, tobacco, and most illicit drugs is very easy.