These sorts of exaggerations are common, unfortunately. Try finding good information on the effects of occasional smoking and you'll find a lot of stuff saying,

These sorts of exaggerations are common, unfortunately. Try finding good information on the effects of occasional smoking and you'll find a lot of stuff saying, "You cannot smoke occasionally; it is impossible. And, anyway, it is as bad as smoking a pack a day, even if you could manage it, so do not attempt it!" Similarly, non-intravenous-drug-using high-school kids having only vaginal intercourse are scared into thinking they have an equal chance of getting HIV as any other group. Nobody wants to appear to be condoning risky behavior so they lie to strengthen their point.