Which statement about tobacco in AOD education for youth is true?

• A. Nicotine is not addictive.
• B. Nicotine is addictive; often co-used with alcohol; risk interactions with other substances.
• C. Nicotine reduces alcohol effects.
• D. Nicotine is only used by adults.

Answer: (B)

Nicotine addiction is the key idea here. Nicotine acts on the brain’s reward system, and for many people it creates a strong habit and dependence even with relatively young use. In young people, this is particularly concerning because the developing brain is more vulnerable to addictive patterns.

This statement is true because tobacco use among youth often goes hand in hand with alcohol use — people who smoke or vape are more likely to drink, and drinking can make nicotine use more rewarding. The combination can also increase risks when other substances are involved, since nicotine can interact with the brain’s chemistry and with how other drugs affect mood and behavior.

So the correct idea is that nicotine is addictive, often co-used with alcohol, and interacts with other substances, which makes tobacco use a significant risk factor in AOD education for youth. The other statements are not accurate: nicotine can be addictive, it doesn’t reliably reduce alcohol effects, and tobacco use isn’t limited to adults.