What is alcohol per capita consumption of adults telling us about drinking and smoking among adolescents? A population-based study across 68 countries.

AIMS: To investigate whether recorded alcohol per capita consumption of adults could be linked with alcohol drinking and smoking among adolescents. METHODS: Adult alcohol per capita has been plotted graphically together with the prevalence of current drinking and smoking among adolescents. RESULTS: Across all 68 countries, a highly statistically significant correlation was detected, indicating a linear relationship. CONCLUSION: Countries which are high in alcohol per capita consumption among adults need to pay heightened attention to alcohol and tobacco use among the younger population.