The role of tobacco smoking and illicit drug use in adolescent acute alcohol intoxication.

Assessing smoking and illicit drug use among adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication is important in acute cases of intoxication, for outpatient follow-up and for the purposes of prevention. The relationship between simultaneous illicit drug use and a lower BAC is of relevance for paediatricians' attempts to diagnose acute intoxication. With respect to outpatient follow-up and preventive measures, it is important to be aware that adolescents' alcohol consumption, tobacco and illicit drug use are related and, ultimately, increase the odds of using other substances.