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.