STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO CONSUMPTION IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Aim: To identify the relationship among experiencing stressful events and alcohol and tobacco consumption in adolescents of vocational school from Metropolitan Area of Monterrey, Mexico. Methods: Descriptive correlational design with a probabilistic and stratified sample (n= 416). The instruments Sucesos de Vida, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and a sociodemographic questionnaire were applied. Results: The number of stressful events was positively associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores, particularly in the domains of harmful drinking and dependence symptoms. Both alcohol and tobacco use were more strongly correlated with stressful events in the health topic. Conclusions: Living more stressful events in adolescence is associated with increased consumption of alcohol and tobacco, particularly in terms of excessive alcohol consumption. Although stressful events may be risk factors for substance use, it’s possible that alcohol or tobacco consumption could be a source of stress.