Citation

Wills TA, Pierce JP, Evans RI. Am. Behav. Sci. 1996; 39(7): 808-822.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0002764296039007004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses evidence on the importance of large-scale environmental risk factors for onset of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use. It is suggested that smoking onset occurs through a process in which some individuals change from nonsmoking to susceptibility, experimentation, and adoption of regular use. A distinction is made between distal and proximal risk factors, and a model is outlined that encompasses both levels. We consider evidence on large-scale variables including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and media advertising as factors in onset and discuss how the effects of these large-scale variables are mediated. Recommendations for research and program development are made.