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Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Tobacco

People often use alcohol and cigarettes in tandem. However, both substances have a high potential for addiction, and using them together can increase health risks. Luckily, evidence-based addiction treatment can lead to positive outcomes for those struggling with alcohol and nicotine addiction. Understanding how alcohol and tobacco products interact, and how to seek treatment can be an important first step in finding treatment.

Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Tobacco

Compared to using each substance on its own, the effects of mixing alcohol and tobacco include increased risk for serious health problems in the long term. An example is the development of a substance use disorder (SUD), or addiction, to both substances. A SUD is the continued use of a substance despite it causing problems in one or more areas of a person’s life, like relationships or work performance.2

The combined use of alcohol and tobacco can also cause high triglyceride levels (fat in the blood) and high blood pressure, in turn causing cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart disease.3–5(“High blood..”) A third health risk of smoking and drinking together is the development of cancer, including gastric and oral cancers.6,7 This is because both alcohol and tobacco change the natural bacteria levels in the oral cavity and gut.6,7 The two substances also increase the risk for cancer of the larynx (the voice box) and pharynx (what connects the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus).8 Research has found that those who use both substances have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to those who use only alcohol or tobacco.9(Halfway down)

In addition to these potential effects of combining alcohol and tobacco, each substance on its own can have negative effects on the body.

Effects of Tobacco on the Body

There are various chemicals in tobacco smoke that are carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. 10(Abstract) Scientists have found that these carcinogens can interfere with the DNA, which can lead to mutations that cause tumors.10 Tobacco smoke can also change the body’s immune responses, leading to other diseases.11(Abstract)

Therefore, tobacco smoke can lead to:11, 12

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Lung cancer.
  • Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
  • Cancers of the pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix.
  • Chronic bronchitis.
  • Chronic emphysema.
  • Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Addiction to nicotine, a highly addictive substance in tobacco.

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Like tobacco smoke, alcohol too can have a carcinogenic effect on the body because it can affect the DNA.14(Sec3.1) Another reason heavy alcohol use can lead to cancer is because it causes increased inflammation and weakens the immune system.14(Sec3.3&3.7) Chronic heavy alcohol use can lead to other health problems in various parts of the body as well. It interferes with neural circuits in the brain, which can cause problems with cognition, mood, and behavior.15 Alcohol can also cause damage to the heart, liver, and pancreas.15

In sum, the numerous health problems that chronic heavy drinking can cause include:14,15

  • High blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and cardiomyopathy.
  • Fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
  • Pancreatitis, or inflammation in the pancreas that weakens its ability to produce enzymes needed for food digestion.
  • Cancers of the oral cavity and esophagus.
  • Colon cancer.
  • Breast cancer.
  • Liver cancer.
  • Stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Effects of Different Forms of Tobacco

An increasing public health concern is electronic cigarettes, often referred to as e-cigarettes.13 They are also often called vapes, and using an e-cigarette is called vaping.13 Most e-cigarettes have a battery, heating element, and a place to hold liquid.13 Heating the liquid generates an aerosol that users inhale.13 E-cigarettes hold fewer toxic chemicals than regular cigarettes; however, that does not mean they are safe because they do contain some tobacco products like nicotine, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.13(Bottom 3rd of pg) E-cigarettes are newer compared to other tobacco products and research is ongoing to determine their long-term health effects.13

Given the effects of alcohol and tobacco when they are used together, addiction rehab treatment is important for reducing the risk of health conditions and for making progress toward and maintaining recovery.

Get Help for Alcohol Addiction

Treatment options are available if you or someone you love is dealing with alcohol addiction. Those who remain in evidence-based treatment either maintain sobriety or reduce their number of problems caused by alcohol.20(Middle of pg) Furthermore, if a person who smokes cigarettes is looking to reduce their alcohol use, smoking could be playing a role in maintaining drinking behaviors.1(Conclusions,Para2) In such a case, treating nicotine addiction could be an important component of alcohol addiction treatment.1

There are a few different ways in which someone can seek treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Approaching the primary care provider is a good place to start because this medical professional has the patient’s health history, can make a diagnosis, can refer the patient to a treatment facility, and can manage medications for AUD on an outpatient basis post-treatment.21

Calling a person’s health insurance company can help identify what types of rehab programs their plan covers as well as specific treatment locations.

The American Addictions Center (AAC) helpline is also a great resource. AAC staff can help answer questions about addiction, find appropriate rehab programs, and verify the person’s health insurance.

It is never too late to seek treatment or to find alcohol rehabs near you. Please call us today at . We are here 24/7 and happy to help.

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