Exposure to neighborhood violence leads some Denver teens to use tobacco and alcohol earlier, new study shows

By: Anna Maria Santiago, Michigan State University and Iris Margetis, Michigan State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 10, 2025

Words: 796

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Anna Maria Santiago, Michigan State University and Iris Margetis, Michigan State University

High levels of neighborhood violence increase the risk of Latino and African American teens in Denver starting to use alcohol and tobacco, according to our recent study.

In the U.S., approximately 2 in 10 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 drink alcohol. About 1 in 10 smoke cigarettes. For teens living in neighborhoods with high levels of disadvantage and …

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