Influence of smoking and drinking habits on salivary cortisol levels

The present study assessed the association of smoking and drinking habits on salivary cortisol levels in a sample of 106 young teenagers. The gender, psychopathological disorders (ICD-10 criteria), and psychological stress variables were considered. Results showed that cortisol levels were significantly higher for moderate to heavy smokers (10 or more cigarettes per day) than for light and non-smokers. This effect was more remarkable in females than in males. Psychopathology was a factor influencing cortisol levels mainly in males. While high stress and elevated daily consumption of cigarettes were significantly associated with salivary cortisol levels, drinking habits did not influence these concentrations. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.