If you’re a smoker struggling to quit, and you also happen to be a regular alcohol consumer, you might find it even more challenging to kick the habit. It turns out that combining these two habits can have an impact on the human brain that’s difficult to overcome, acting as a barrier to breaking the addiction.
Many people might wonder why so many individuals consume alcohol and nicotine at the same time. According to Mahesh Thakkar, Ph.D., the lead author of a University of Missouri School of Medicine study, “We know that many people who drink alcohol also use nicotine, but we don’t know why exactly that is. We have found that nicotine weakens the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol by stimulating a response in an area of the brain known as the basal forebrain.”
By identifying the reactions occurring when people consume both alcohol and nicotine, scientists hope to utilize this knowledge to help combat alcohol and nicotine addiction. Thakkar’s previous research into alcohol and nicotine dependency revealed that the two substances intensified pleasurable side effects by activating the brain’s reward center, leading to an increase in alcohol consumption.
Sleepiness counteracted by Stimulant
One common side effect of drinking alcohol is sleepiness. However, when used simultaneously with alcohol, nicotine has a stimulating effect which wards off sleep. Thakkar explains, “If an individual smokes, then he or she is much more likely to consume more alcohol, and vice-versa. They feed off one another.” This interdependency between alcohol and nicotine leads to an increase in overall consumption and can make it more difficult to quit.
The dangers of alcohol and nicotine
Smoking is a major contributing factor to the development of alcoholism. According to the World Health Organization, more than 7 million deaths each year are attributed to alcohol and nicotine use. Together, these substances can wreak havoc on a person’s overall health and well-being.
Tips for quitting
If you’re a smoker and drinker looking to quit, it’s essential to first understand the potential barriers to success. One crucial step to quitting these two dangerous habits is to stop doing them together, as the combined pleasurable sensation may decrease when separating the two habits. This separation can help you focus on eliminating one habit at a time and increase your chances of success.
Quitting tips and resources
Numerous tips and resources can be of help when kicking the smoking and drinking habits. Here are a few reputable sources that offer help and guidance:
- American Cancer Society: Offers step-by-step advice, support, and resources for quitting smoking. Link
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SmokeFree: A website developed by the National Cancer Institute, offering resources, tips, and support to help smokers quit. Link
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Alcoholics Anonymous: A worldwide fellowship offering a 12-step program to help people overcome alcohol addiction. Link
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National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Offers research-based information and resources related to alcohol addiction and treatment. Link
Ultimately, quitting both smoking and drinking will require patience, dedication, and support from loved ones. By taking advantage of available resources and understanding how the two habits affect each other, you can increase your chances of overcoming addiction and leading a healthier life.
