Researchers Find Teen Binge Drinking And Smoking Go Hand In Hand

August 10, 2009 6:39 a.m. EST

Philadelphia, PA (AHN) - Teens who smoke cigarettes are also more likely to be binge drinkers, and the two risky behaviors should be addressed together, according to Temple University researchers.

Brian Daly, an assistant professor of public health in the university's College of Health Professionals and Social Work, and his colleagues established their conclusion after looking at data from a survey of 2,450 students in grades 9-12 of all races at Philadelphia public schools.

The participants were asked how many cigarettes they smoked a day over 30 days, and how many days over a 30 day period they had more than five drinks in a row.

The results showed that white teens were more likely than blacks to engage in either binge drinking or smoking. Both groups were equally likely to participate in both risky behaviors at the same time, Daly said in a statement.

Daly said he and his colleagues will next break down the group by grade to determine when binge drinking and smoking begin.