Addictions to Smoking and Alcohol

Addictions to Smoking and Alcohol

A lot of people suffer from the consequences of smoking and drinking

alcohol, which often leads to addiction. The word 'addiction' is a

very powerful word in this sense, as it means the physical and

psychological craving for a substance that develops into a dependency,

and continues even though it is causing the addicted person physical,

psychological and social harm. The disease of addiction is chronic and

progressive; it can lead to extremely dangerous outcomes. This applies

to both smoking, and alcohol addiction.

Smoking is not just a bad habit, but also a complex addiction. Experts

believe that nicotine exerts its powerful addictive effects by

altering two chemicals in the brain - dopamine and nor adrenaline -

known as neurotransmitters. Within seven seconds of inhaling, a

concentrated dose of nicotine is delivered directly to the brain,

producing a nicotine "rush". Many smokers interpret this rush as one

of pleasure, but in reality the pleasure is misunderstood. It only

appears pleasurable, because it satisfies the craving created by the

last cigarette. Over time, the smoker has become victim to the classic

cycle of addiction.

The addiction of smoking leads to serious - at times even

life-threatening - dangers to someone's physical health. In the USA,

Canada and in most developed countries, smoking is the principal

preventable cause of death and disease. For example, more than 400,000

deaths in the U.S. each year, are caused from smoking-related

illnesses. Smoking greatly increases your risk for lung cancer and

many other cancers. 22% of all male deaths and 11% of all female

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...to forget their problems or to relieve stress,

and often want just one more drink, even when their friends have

stopped drinking. As the alcoholism progresses, they may begin having

financial, work, or family problems. An alcoholic may get drunk

without planning to, and make promises to limit or stop drinking, but

fail. They may also lie about their drinking, sneak drinks at work or

school, have blackouts, go through personality changes, or drink in

the morning to cure a hangover.

It is quite evident that having a smoking or an alcohol addiction

leads to a lot of problematic issues. The addict doesn't suffer alone,

as friends and family around him or her, might also get involved. By

knowing about the consequences of these addictions, one might be able

to prevent oneself by getting into the vicious world of addiction.