Nicotine dependence severity as a cross-sectional predictor of alcohol-related problems in a sample of adolescent smokers.
BACKGROUND
Given the prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents and its negative consequences, it is important to learn more about correlates of alcohol-related problems in this population. Cigarette smoking appears to be associated with alcohol-related problems in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess cigarettes smoked per day and nicotine dependence (ND) severity as predictors of alcohol-related problems in cross-sectional models, using data from a smoking cessation clinical trial for adolescents.


METHODS
Data obtained at intake were used to assess smoking-related variables as cross-sectional predictors of alcohol-related problems in models along with drinks per week and key demographics, using hierarchical multiple regression.


RESULTS
ND severity, as measured using the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire, significantly predicted alcohol-related problems, both when this score included and did not include an item concerning cigarettes smoked per day. A separate continuous item capturing cigarettes per day did not predict alcohol-related problems.


CONCLUSIONS
ND severity predicted alcohol-related problems in cross-sectional regression models, holding constant alcohol consumption and key demographics. This suggests that ND severity may be a clinical indicator of alcohol-related problems among adolescent smokers. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of associations between smoking and alcohol involvement in a sample of adolescent smokers participating in a clinical trial.
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. robert.leeman@yale.edu
Robert F
RF
Leeman
Ty S
TS
Schepis
Dana A
DA
Cavallo
Amanda K
AK
McFetridge
Thomas B
TB
Liss
Suchitra
S
Krishnan-Sarin
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*