Research lead by Drs. Bengt and Judy Arnetz, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Umeå in Sweden, found that in Sweden, where record few adolescents smoke cigarettes, almost 4 out of 10 adolescents had tried smoking a waterpipe. Those that smoked a waterpipe had lower energy, worse mental health and were more likely to use alcohol and other tobacco products including e-cigarettes. In addition, they were more likely to report use of illicit drugs.
The study points to the importance of looking at the relationship between use of alternative tobacco products and illicit drugs and mental health in adolescents. The study also points to the importance of a systematic approach to tobacco and drug use in adolescents within a framework of mental well-being.
