Substance Use

This indicator – the percentage of adults ages 18 and older who reported smoking (tobacco)—reflects one type of substance use.  These data show current but not former smokers.  The data are routinely collected in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). 

While smoking among adults has continuously declined in recent years; it continues to remain
as a leading cause of preventable illness and mortality. Half of persistent adult smokers succumb to smoking-related ailments, while millions endure afflictions like cancer or heart disease due to smoking. Smoking is linked to low birthweight and premature births, and infants exposed to cigarette smoke face higher risks of mortality within their first year. Additionally, children exposed to secondhand smoke have increased chances of developing asthma, respiratory infections, and ear infections. Furthermore, parental smoking elevates the likelihood of smoking among children and adolescents.

These evidence-based strategies are used across the country to decrease substance use in adults:

• Expand the accessibility of support groups for individuals who use tobacco, alcohol, and other substances.
• Provide pharmaceutical smoking cessation aids free of charge or at discounted rates, particularly targeting adults who continue to smoke.
• Decrease the utilization of prescription pain medications (such as opioids) among both young individuals and adults.
• Increase the availability of community-based drug and alcohol treatment programs, offering both day and residential options for youth and adults.
• Implement culturally sensitive and impactful substance abuse education programs tailored for both youth and adults.

• Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
• Substance Use Disorder Services | Services and Programs
• Substance Use Disorder: How Substance Use Affects Mental Health
• 211 San Diego