Young teens that smoke, drink and use drugs by themselves develop more health and behavior problems than those who use socially, according to a new study by the Rand Corporation.

Solitary users are at more risk for poor physical health by age 23 and less likely to graduate from college.

Among children ages 13 and 14 years old, about 16% smoked cigarettes, 17% drank alcohol and 4% used marijuana when they were alone. The study, published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal, indicates that such children are at risk for problems in later life.

Labels: behaviors, health_problems, solitude