Elsevier

Addictive Behaviors

Volume 20, Issue 5, September–October 1995, Pages 595-603
Addictive Behaviors

DSM-III-R tobacco dependence and quitting during late adolescence

https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4603(95)00019-9Get rights and content

Abstract

Previous studies of tobacco dependence have tended not to examine adolescent samples. In a cohort of 18-year-olds, the 12-month prevalence rate of dependence based on DSM-III-R criteria was found to be 19.3%. Cotinine levels in saliva were positively related to level of cigarette consumption but not to tobacco dependence and may not be a suitable measure of dependence. Measures of behavioral and psychological aspects of smoking supported the utility of DSM-III-R criteria for tobacco dependence among young smokers. As a large number of young smokers are dependent on tobacco, the results support the development of treatment programmes for youth that take into consideration their degree of dependence.

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  • Cited by (0)

    The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health Research and Development Unit is supported by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and involves several departments of the University of Otago. The study of smoking was funded by a combined grant from the New Zealand Cancer Society and the Otago Medical School Cancer Bequest Funds.

    The assistance of Dr. Michael Feehan and Dr. Rob McGee in the development of the assessment protocol and the training of staff is appreciated. Analyses of salivary cotinine concentrations were performed by Dr. Don Ferry, National Toxicology Unit, University of Otago. Thanks also to Candace Ellwood. Marguerite McClelland and Kim Theewis for conducting the interviews. The author is greatly indebted to the many people whose contributions make this ongoing study possible, in particular the Director, Dr. Phil A. Silva and the members of the cohort.

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