Tobacco, alcohol and psychotropic drugs in Lorraine, epidemiological survey of the general population

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the use of tobacco, alcohol and psychotropic drugs by the people of Lorraine and characterise the consumption behaviours of that population. The sample consisted of 6571 people from the ages of 18 to 74 who were randomly selected from the telephone directory and were interviewed through the use of a self-questionnaire sent out by mail. The behaviours vary according to sex and gender. Tobacco is the product with the highest prevalence rate of consumption. This rate decreases with age and is most frequent in sectors of the population who are less educated, holding low or poorly skilled jobs or unemployed. Excessive alcohol consumption is observed in 13.8% of men and 3.8% of women. Regular consumption of psychotropic drugs is two times higher in women than in men, and it increases with age. Women who are single, divorced or widowed are at the most risk, as are those who are not engaged in any professional activity. The prevalence of the consumption of psycho-active licit toxic substances in the Lorraine population differs little from the national French average as far as men are concerned, yet appears to be higher for women. These results are very useful for regional prevention activities such as those within the Regional Health Programmes framework.