Introduction It is well known that knowledge can change behaviours, thus introducing healthy habits or reducing the prevalence of risky habits. Based on this information, we studied the level of knowledge of students of Pharmacy in the University of Barcelona (Spain), concerning to the effects and diseases related to alcohol and tobacco.

Methods We analysed 178 students of both sex, between 18 and 27 years old. Data were obtained by applying a self-reported questionnaire.

Results The risk of ingestion of pure alcohol was considered such that practically no one consumed it. The students expressed low knowledge of the relationship between tobacco and bladder cancer (40.3%), osteoporosis (29.9%), and neonatal death (49.7%). For alcohol the smallest percentages of knowledge were observed for the relationship between alcohol and sexual dysfunction (58.4%) and endocrine-metabolic diseases (66.9%). 25.9% answered that the issue “tobacco as a risky factor to health” is insufficiently discussed or not discussed during the classes, and 41.6% answered the same about alcohol.

Conclusions In conclusion, about the risk of consumption of these drugs should be more emphasised by the university education.