In recent years there has been considerable research into the concomitants of adolescent smoking. Despite the widespread acceptance of the health risks associated with smoking,a considerable proportion of adults, young adults and adolescents continue to smoke regularly.In 2006, one sixth of adolescents (approximately 1,245,240) aged 12 to 17 smoked cigarettes and 586,454 used marijuana, while on an average day 4,082 initiated cigarette use and 3,577 initiated marijuana use. This work was undertaken to extend the research on the relationship between adolescent emotional states and tobacco-use by looking at adolescents who are diagnosed with a major depressive episode. This analysis sought to determine the relationship between the symptomatic expression of major depressive episodes and tobacco-use in a sample of adolescents. The focus was on tobacco products, commonly one of the first illicit drugs used by adolescents. Results suggest that adolescents who have certain significant mental health problems are more likely to increase their cigarette smoking and that this behavior is most likely to occur in the 16 - 17 age group, placing them at risk of becoming lifetime smokers.

Sherill V.C. Morris obtained her Ph.D.in Juvenile Justice in 2009 from the Prairie View A&M University. She also holds two degrees in Social Work from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Her research interests include: Female Juveniles; Juvenile Mental health Issues and Drug Use; Female Victimization and Trauma; and Restorative Justice.