Nicotine dependence severity as a cross-sectional predictor of alcohol-related problems in a sample of adolescent smokers

Robert F. Leeman, Ph.D., Ty S. Schepis, Ph.D., Dana A. Cavallo, Ph.D., Amanda K. McFetridge, B.A., Thomas B. Liss and Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, Ph.D.

Given the prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents and its negative consequences, it is important to learn more about correlates of alcohol-related problems in this population. Cigarette smoking appears to be associated with alcohol-related problems in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess cigarettes smoked per day and nicotine dependence (ND) severity as predictors of alcohol-related problems in cross-sectional models, using data from a smoking cessation clinical trial for adolescents.

Data obtained at intake were used to assess smoking-related variables as cross-sectional predictors of alcohol-related problems in models along with drinks per week and key demographics, using hierarchical multiple regression.

ND severity, as measured using the modified Fagerstr�m Tolerance Questionnaire, significantly predicted alcohol-related problems, both when this score included and did not include an item concerning cigarettes smoked per day. A separate continuous item capturing cigarettes per day did not predict alcohol-related problems.

ND severity predicted alcohol-related problems in cross-sectional regression models, holding constant alcohol consumption and key demographics. This suggests that ND severity may be a clinical indicator of alcohol-related problems among adolescent smokers. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of associations between smoking and alcohol involvement in a sample of adolescent smokers participating in a clinical trial.