Tobacco/Nicotine

Brief Description: One of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the U.S. Effects: Nicotine is highly addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker's risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children. Statistics and Trends: In 2006, nearly 73 million Americans age 12 and older had used a tobacco product at least once in the month prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health; http://www.samhsa.gov/. The NIDA-funded 2007 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 7.1% of 8th graders, 14.0% of 10th graders, and 21.6% of 12th graders had used cigarettes and 3.2% of 8th graders, 6.1% of 10th graders, and 6.6% of 12th graders had used smokeless tobacco at least once in the month prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/. NID