(The New York Times News Service) -- While nicotine replacement therapies make it easier for heavy smokers to quit the habit, the gum, lozenges, and patches do not appear to work long term to keep former smokers from lighting up again a few years later.

ATLANTA (AP) -- College-age drinkers average nine drinks when they get drunk, government health officials said Tuesday. That surprising statistic is part of a new report highlighting the dangers of binge drinking, which usually means four to five drinks at a time.