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Smoking and drinking among college students: “It's a package deal”
- Source :
-
Drug & Alcohol Dependence . Jan2010, Vol. 106 Issue 1, p16-20. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Background: This paper reports on qualitative research on smoking in contexts associated with drinking among college students. Although a plethora of survey research has shown a positive association between smoking and alcohol use, little attention has been given to the utility functions of these co-occurring behaviors. Methods: Data are drawn from semi-structured interviews with college freshmen at a large Mid-western university in the U.S. (n =35). In addition, eleven focus groups with fraternity and sorority members were conducted (n =70). Interviews and focus groups focused on a range of issues including current smoking behavior, reasons for smoking, and smoking and drinking. Results: A review of qualitative responses reveals that smoking served multiple utility functions for this population including (1) facilitating social interaction across gender, (2) allowing one to structure time and space at a party, (3) enabling “party” smokers to smoke with fewer negative side effects, and (4) helping to calm one down when drunk. Conclusions: Whereas smoking was stigmatized during the context of one''s everyday life as a student, at parties while consuming alcohol, smoking was viewed as normative and socially acceptable. Preventive interventions are needed on college campus that target co-substance use and address widespread misperceptions about the harm of tobacco use and addiction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03768716
- Volume :
- 106
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Drug & Alcohol Dependence
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 47057786
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.07.025