What is the connection between using tobacco and using alcohol and other drugs?

Answer 1

There is a distinct relationship, but the jury is still out on whether or not it is causal. Both nicotine and alcohol are highly addictive, legal drugs that make you feel good (at least in the beginning) and that may be the whole thing. Addicts like to feel good. However, some authorities believe that there is a chemical connection that makes it more likely that drinkers will smoke. A third consideration is that alcohol destroys good judgment, so that drinkers may begin smoking because "it seemed like a good idea at the time."

There may be social issues that come into play as well, including parental example, peer pressure and so forth.

As you can see, this is a complex question and it may be some time before we have definitive answers.

Answer 2

Before 25, the brain is still developing. With excessive drinking under 25, some parts of the brain are developed poorly or not developed at all

Answer 3

they are all fun