Smoking and drinking is a popular combination. Anyone who has ever been to a bar can vouch for that. Many people find it difficult to have one without the other. Unfortunately, tobacco and alcohol are amongst the deadliest drugs in the United States.
The Link between Smoking and Drinking
The reason that so many people love to smoke when they drink isn’t pure coincidence. There is a scientific explanation for it. It has been found that tobacco enhances the subjective effects of alcohol. This means that tobacco can enhance the high brought on by drinking alcohol. Nicotine has been found to boost an individual’s interest in alcohol when they are already tipsy. This creates a vicious circle of craving both cigarettes and alcohol.
It is to be noted however that this trend was only seen in sales of beer and liquor, but not in wine. The reason behind it is that people who drink wine tend not to smoke. But people who drink beer and liquor are more likely to smoke, and quite heavily too.
Can One Affect the Other?
According to experts, the number of Americans who smoke is decreasing. However, the number of social smokers is rising, suggesting the people tend to have a cigarette when they have a drink.
Scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine analyzed:
- State per capita alcohol consumption from 1980 to 2009
- State price per pack of cigarettes, and
- Smoke free policies
They found that when cigarette taxes increased and smoke free policies were strengthened, it decreased the overall alcohol consumption. This information can also be helpful on an individual level, suggesting that those individuals who wish to cut down on their alcohol consumption may find more success if they also stop smoking.
The Effects of Smoking and Drinking
Cigarettes and alcohol can both cause multiple complications for the individual’s body that can range from mild to life-threatening. Knowing the facts about the effects of smoking and drinking on the body can help the individual find the motivation to quit. Some of the health problems caused by smoking and drinking are:
Emphysema
Smoking causes the lungs to become damaged and it compromises their elasticity, which is required for proper breathing. This in turn leads to a condition called Emphysema where breathing becomes labored, even with minimal exertion. Smoking is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of all cases of emphysema.
Lung Cancer
In 2010, the United States alone saw 222,520 new cases of lung cancer and 157,300 deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for this disease. This includes firsthand smoking and secondhand smoking.
Erectile Dysfunction
To achieve an erection, males must have a steady flow of blood going to the penis. If this blood flow is compromised, erectile dysfunction can occur. According to The Mayo Clinic, both excessive tobacco use and heavy drinking are risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
Wrinkles
Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes damage collagen and elastin, which in turn leads to premature wrinkling.
High Blood Pressure
Excessive smoking and drinking increases an individual’s chances of getting high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and vision loss.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Heavy drinking over the course of time can cause liver damage. In the worst of cases, a condition known as cirrhosis can take place. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury.
If you are looking for more information and resources on smoking and drinking, call The Villa. We can help you get started on your journey to recovery.
