Teen Smoking & Toking

As we celebrate national Wipe Out Smoking month this November, it is important to remember that the best way to reduce smoking is to make sure kids never start. However, despite decades of effort and significant progress, during 2002, five million young people smoked cigarettes. Tragically, over six thousand try them for the first time every day. But there's another smoking risk people don't usually think of when they hear, "smoke-out." That threat is marijuana.

The two are closely related. Research shows that youth who smoke cigarettes are fourteen times more likely to try marijuana as those who don't. How serious is the problem? Take a look at the figures: in 2002, nearly four million teens smoked marijuana. And for every kid who tries tobacco for the first time, one also tries marijuana. The number of youth who first try a cigarette or use marijuana in the U.S. each year is greater than the population of North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, Rhode Island and Montana combined.

Tobacco and marijuana are also related in the damage they cause to the body. Lung disease, cancer and other health problems don't distinguish between the two. In fact, the amount of tar and carbon monoxide marijuana smokers are exposed from smoking a joint is three to five times greater than from smoking tobacco. Marijuana joints are sometimes laced with toxic substances such as PCP or formaldehyde, which add further damage. Research shows that marijuana can be addictive, and that it's more addictive in young people than in adults. In fact more kids are in drug treatment for marijuana use than for all other illicit drugs combined.

What can be done? Parents are the most important influence on their teen when it comes to preventing tobacco and marijuana use, as well as other risky behaviors. They can help keep kids tobacco and drug-free by closely supervising their time, knowing who they are with, and setting clear rules.

Many parents are stepping into their roles more vigorously, helping prevent more kids from ever lighting up. The daily first-use figures for both marijuana and cigarettes, as high as they are, have dropped 16 percent and 11 percent respectively in recent years.

So during these weeks when we focus increased attention on reducing smoking, remember there are two "smokes" we're fighting. If someone you know is at risk, get the facts to help them at www.TheAntiDrug.com. The site also offers a free pamphlet called "Wake Up to the Risks of Marijuana: A Guide for Parents." The pamphlet can also be ordered by calling 1-800-788-2800.