Cigarette Smoking in Adolescents

Conversion from Experimentation to Regular Use

Younger adolescents who begin smoking are among the heaviest adult smokers (CDC, 1994). Persistent exposure to nicotine, the main substance of concern in cigarettes, results in increased opportunity for dependence and addiction. Compared with other addicting substances, nicotine has one of the most rapid rates of dependence and addiction and one of the strongest holds on those who have become dependent. There are indications that nicotine is a mild stimulant that has mood-elevating and antianxiety properties, thus making it more desirable for some teens. Dependency in teens may be higher because of an interest in sensation seeking known to be prevalent in younger adolescents (Martin et al., 2002). Approximately 3,000 youth become regular smokers on a daily basis. Overall, based on the information cited, it can be inferred that the majority of teens try cigarettes during their middle and high school years and that between 23% and 28% are regular or daily smokers by the end of high school.

Variations in Use among Teens

Family racial background, sex, and socioeconomic status all have an impact on smoking rates (Harrell et al., [Page 255]1998). On the whole, White and Hispanic youth smoke at much higher rates than African Americans. Between 33% and 38% of White and Hispanic youth describe themselves as current smokers. Rates for African American youth fall below 20%. More boys than girls of Hispanic background smoke, while nearly an equal number of White girls and boys smoke, although White boys are likely to have started earlier than girls. Youth from families of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to try cigarettes, but teens must have a fair amount of discretionary money to keep smoking.

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