Cy, Smoking And Toking: Teens In Double Jeopardy (NAPSA)—The best way to reduce smoking is to make sure kids never start. However, despite decades of effort and significant progress, during 2002, five million young people smoked cigarettes. More than six thousand try them for the first time every day. But there’s another smoking risk that parents may not consider when they hear the term “smoke-out”: that risk is marijuana. Research shows that youth who smoke cigarettes are 14 times more likely to try marijuana as Parents are the most important influence in preventing teens those who don’t. Howserious is the problem? Take a look at the from smoking. lion teens smoked marijuana. And for every kid whotries tobacco for venting tobacco and marijuana use, as well as other risky behav- figures: In 2002, nearly four mil- their teens when it comes to pre- the first time, one also tries marijuana. The number of young peo- iors. They can help keep kids ple whofirst try a cigarette or use marijuana in the U.S. each yearis greater than the population of North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, Rhode Island and Mon- tana combined. Tobacco and marijuana are also related in the damage they cause to the body. Lung disease, cancer tobacco- and drug-free by closely supervising their time, knowing who they are with and setting clear rules. Manyparents are living up to their responsibilities, helping prevent more kids from ever lighting up. The daily first-use figures for both marijuana and and other health problems don’t cigarettes, as high as they are, have dropped 16 percent and 11 monoxide marijuana smokers are years. In America’s effort to reduce from smoking tobacco. Research remember that there are two “smokes” being fought. If someone tive in youngpeople than in adults. the facts to help them at www.TheAntiDrug.com. The site distinguish between the two. In fact, the amount of tar and carbon exposed to from smoking a joint is three to five times greater than shows that marijuana can be addictive, and that it’s more addicNationwide, more kids are in drug treatment for marijuana use than for all otherillicit drugs combined. What can be done? Parents are the most important influence on percent, respectively, in recent teen smoking, it’s important to you knowis at risk, you can get also offers a free pamphlet called “Wake Up to the Risks of Marijuana: A Guide for Parents.” The pamphlet can also be ordered by calling 1-800-788-2800.
