Prevention that works

The solution to the problem of tobacco use is complicated when adolescents are faced with numerous risk factors. Alaska has a partnership between federal, state, and private interest groups and individuals who are committed to addressing the problem. This partnership is being expanded through the creation of additional local alliances. Each of the partners has influenced state policies on the control of the use of tobacco products. Because of the difficulty in changing adolescent behavior through education and information there is a need to decrease access to the offending products. A proven way to decrease access and adolescent use of tobacco products is raising the cost of the products through higher excise taxes.