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The act of smoking cigarettes and drinking any form of alcohol at the same time is a common behavior among some individuals, particularly in social settings. However, this is Polydrug abuse!
Smoking cigarettes while drinking alcohol can have serious health consequences. Here are some potential health effects:
*Increased Risk of Cancer*
1. *Lung cancer*: Smoking cigarettes already increases the risk of lung cancer, and drinking alcohol can further increase this risk.
2. *Mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer*: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of these cancers, and smoking cigarettes can further increase this risk.
*Cardiovascular Disease*
1. *Heart disease*: Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular stress, leading to an increased risk of heart disease.
2. *Stroke*: The combination of smoking and drinking can increase the risk of stroke.
*Respiratory Problems*
1. *Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)*: Smoking cigarettes can cause COPD, and drinking alcohol can exacerbate symptoms.
2. *Pneumonia*: Smoking and drinking can increase the risk of pneumonia.
*Liver Disease*
1. *Alcoholic liver disease*: Drinking alcohol can cause liver damage, and smoking cigarettes can increase this risk.
2. *Liver cancer*: The combination of smoking and drinking can increase the risk of liver cancer.
*Other Health Effects*
1. *Increased risk of injuries*: Drinking alcohol can impair judgment and increase the risk of injuries, while smoking cigarettes can further increase this risk.
2. *Weakened immune system*: Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
3. *Mental health problems*: The combination of smoking and drinking can increase the risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Quitting Smoking and Drinking
If you’re a smoker who drinks alcohol, quitting both habits can greatly improve your health.
Written by: Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna
Special Adviser On Narcotics And Illicit Drug Monitoring (IMSG)