Use of alcohol and drugs by adolescents is beginning to increase. This is evidence of a doubling of rates of use in a four year period. The survey showed similar rates of use across racial ethnic, and socioeconomic categories. Tobacco is generally regarded as a gateway drug, paving the way for other drug use among youth. Nationally, tobacco use among youth has been on the rise over the past several years.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease.
Tobacco use has been a major contributing risk in the increasing incidence of many cancers, heart disease and pulmonary disorders. Bergen County has higher than average site specific cancer mortality rates as well as comparatively high heart disease deaths. Both of these chronic conditions can be tied directly to cigarette smoking.