Tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse and use of illicit drugs among students of the upper secondary school in Italy

The aim of this study is to investigate the lifestyles of adolescents in Italy as regards tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse and the use of illicit drugs in order to identify the most relevant demographic and socio-economic characteristics of individuals, peer groups and contexts that could induce adolescents to adopt healthier lifestyles, more likely to guarantee a better quality of life as adults and during old age. The study sample comprises 3,457 students from 37 high schools in Italy, with data collected from March to November 2000. The findings show that tobacco use is higher among girls, while the risk of drinking alcohol and abusing illicit drugs is higher for males and older students. The family situation is significant: the children of separated or divorced parents or widowers tend to be more prone to smoking and abusing illicit drugs. Peer groups also play a key role in lifestyles, since meeting up with friends often provides more opportunities for smoking. On the other hand, friendships “protect” these young people from the risk of alcohol abuse. Often, various potentially “at risk” lifestyles are combined, and are not often associated with those which safeguard health. Therefore, those who drink to a considerable or excessive extent or who smoke, are 5 to 8 times more likely to take illicit drugs with respect to more “sober” young people. At the same time, there is a higher risk of smoking and drug abuse among those who do little physical exercise or sport.