April 2001 — According to an updated policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), every day in the United States, 6,000 young people start smoking – a 50 percent increase since 1988. The policy also states that in 2000, some adolescent smoking rates exceeded adult rates.
 

The AAP recognizes that "nicotine is an addicting substance, which, as with those who abuse alcohol, is more likely to lead to the use of illicit substances."
 

The updated policy, which is published in the April 2001 issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the AAP, says that it's critical for pediatricians to routinely inquire about tobacco use and smoke exposure. The AAP recommends that discussion and guidance about avoiding smoking and tobacco use should ideally begin by age 5 years, with particular emphasis on resisting the influence of advertising and peer pressure.
 

To combat this pervasive addiction, the AAP adds to its recommendations that pediatricians be knowledgeable about tobacco cessation therapies, such as patches, and routinely offer help and referral to those who are nicotine-dependant, including those who are recovering from alcohol and other drug dependence.