The Relationship of Cigarette Smoking and other Substance Use among College Students

Abstract

A questionnaire relating to cigarette smoking behavior and use of other substances was administered to 863 college students in the state of Oregon. Results indicated that there was not a significant difference between cigarette smokers and non-smokers with regard to use of smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption, or marijuana use. There was, however, a significant difference in the use of other illicit substances when comparing cigarette smokers and non-smokers. Cigarette smokers were much more likely to use illicit substances on an occasional or regular basis than were non-smokers. Smokeless tobacco users who indicated that they consumed alcohol and used marijuana and other illicit substances were more likely to consume more alcohol on a weekly basis than non-users. They were also more likely to use marijuana and other illicit substances on an occasional and regular basis.