Emerging Trend: Snus are now being sold in parts of the Greater Cincinnati region.  The Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati will soon have more information about these and other tobacco products and their affect on youth. Snus (IPA: /snuːs/) is a moist powder tobacco product that is consumed by placing it under the upper lip for extended periods of time. It is a form of snuff that is used in a manner similar to chewing tobacco, but typically does not result in the need for spitting.

Important facts from the 2006 Student Drug Use Survey regarding youth alcohol use in our area:

• The average age of first use of any alcohol is 12.4 years old.  By the 7^th grade, 10% report having tried tobacco.  By 9^th grade, 65% of those who tried have become monthly users or harmfully involved
  
• 67% of all useage is on the weekens; approximately 65% smoke on weekdays
• 51% of 7^th through 12^th graders report that alcohol is fairly easy or very easy to get

Impact
Students who use tobacco on a regular basis are:

• 3.5 times more likely to have been in trouble at school
• 7 times more likely to have threatened to harm another student
• 9 times more likely to have carried a gun to school
• 8.5 times more likely to have been in trouble with the police
• 10 times more likely to have participated in gang activity
• 3.5 times more likely to have thought about suicide
  

What Affects Use?
Students are __% less likely to use tobacco on a regular basis:    

        Parents

• 29% less likely when their parents talk to them about drugs
• 6% less likely when their parents set clear rules
• 39% less likely when their parents enforce consequences
• 43% less likely when their parents disapprove of tobacco

         Social Factors

• 56% less likely if they particpate in school clubs or sports
• 92% less likely if involved in a faith-based program
• 100% less likely if involved in community activities
• 65% less likely if not employed
• 3.4 times less likely if peers disapprove of drinking