The vast majority of youths in one Texas county abstain from tobacco use

A 2009 report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that approximately 20 percent of high school seniors used tobacco in the month prior to the study.

However, according to a Palmer Drug Abuse Program survey, nearly 84 percent of Midland County, Texas youth choose not to use tobacco, news station KOSA reports.

Officials told the news source that the survey, which consisted of alcohol, drug and self-perception questions was handed out last Spring to 3,100 students across the county. They added that while it is a positive message, they will not be satisfied until they address the remaining 16 percent who still use the substance.

Many studies have shown that early use of tobacco can cause addiction that may lead into adulthood. As a result, if parents suspect their children of using tobacco, they may want to enroll them into boarding schools to assist them in getting past the deadly habit.

The NIDA reports that prolonged use of cigarettes and other tobacco products may lead to leukemia, cataracts and pneumonia. Furthermore, the substance can potentially harm every organ in the body.