Adolescence can be a turbulent period in one's life; however, it is also a time when habits can be shaped to bring about healthier behaviors. Child Trends' new series, Adolescent Health Highlights, reviews research about adolescent health, including trends and approaches that have some evidence of potential success. 
 

Research shows tobacco use and underage drinking are associated with a host of negative consequences for adolescents' health and behavior. Child Trends' first two briefs in its Adolescent Health Highlights series focus on Tobacco Use and Alcohol Use in adolescence.  The reports:
 

§  summarize key research findings about tobacco use and alcohol consumption

§  describe prevalence and trends

§  illustrate connections between behaviors and health outcomes

§  discuss issues specific to particular adolescent populations
  

Use of alcohol and tobacco products during adolescence indicates an increased likelihood of a serious problem in adulthood.  These briefs contain information on prevention and intervention strategies and present resources for parents, policy makers, school-based organizations, and community leaders.

Quick Facts 
 

Alcohol Use.  More adolescents in the United States drink alcohol than smoke cigarettes or use marijuana combined.  Forty percent of 12^th grade students reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days. Alcohol use increases adolescents' risk of suicide, homicide, and unintentional injuries - particularly those associated with motor vehicle crashes. 

Tobacco Use.  More than 7.9 million young people between the ages of 12 and 20 currently use some form of tobacco in the United States. While cigarette smoking has declined during the past 15 years, these decreases have stalled in recent years and the use of other tobacco products, like cigars and smokeless tobacco, has seen recent increases.