To examine changes in tobacco use among high school students in Alabama from 1995 to 1999, Alabama Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) survey data were analyzed. The survey has been used since 1990 to examine the health practices of adolescents and to monitor priority health-risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of mortality, morbidity, and social problems among youth. The YRBS specifically monitors (1) behaviors that contribute to unintentional and intentional injuries; (2) tobacco use; (3) alcohol and other drug use; (4) sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease; (5) dietary behaviors; and (6) physical activity. Analysis showed that Alabama adolescent risk behaviors pose serious threats to their health. These risk behaviors are strongly linked to significant indicators of social and psychological well-being, including education, job performance, quality of family and social relationships, and economic stability of the state. (Contains 6 tables and 12 references.) (JDM)