Alcohole and Tobacco Abuse

Alcohol and tobacco are two of the world’s most commonly used substances. Though consumed on various occasions, the effects of both alcohol and tobacco could cause serious problems when used irresponsibly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is responsible for over 2.8 million deaths each year, while tobacco use accounts for more than 8 million fatalities annually. The pervasive nature of these substances, combined with their societal acceptance, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of their abuse.

The APA defines Alcohol Abuse as a pattern of alcohol use that persists despite significant distress and adverse consequences, such as neglect of important personal, financial, social, occupational, or recreational activities; failure to fulfill work or school obligations; and the use of alcohol in situations in which it is physically hazardous.

Nicotine dependance, or more commonly known as Tobacco abuse, is a pattern of repeated or compulsive use of nicotine despite significant nicotine-related behavioral, physiological, and psychosocial problems, with tolerance and characteristic withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended

It’s not easy to identify when the alcohol or tobacco intake would have crossed the line from moderate and social intake to problem intake. It's become increasingly common to have these substances in social settings, so it is also difficult to know if the intake has become a problem, but if we are specifically using these substances to cope with problems or as a means to escape, then we may be in a bit of trouble. Proverbs 20:1 states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Overindulgence is never a good thing, hence it is important to make sure we don’t fall into the clutches of addiction. Galatians 5:22-23 highlights self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. Believers are encouraged to practice self-discipline and avoid behaviors that can lead to harmful habits.

Causes of Abuse

Genetics and biological factors play a significant role in susceptibility to the addiction of these drugs. Family history of addiction increases the likelihood of developing similar patterns. The reward pathways in the brain which affect dopamine release, are affected by both alcohol and nicotine, thus reinforcing their use.

Individuals with mental health disorders are also more prevalent to resort to the substances as a form of ‘self-medication’ to feel better, but potentially worsens their mental health over time. Life stressors, events, traumas, childhood experiences may also lead to increased substance use as a coping mechanism.

Peer pressure, social circles, and cultural norms significantly impact substance use behaviors. Environments where drinking and smoking are common can normalize these habits. Marketing strategies by alcohol and tobacco companies target specific demographics, particularly young adults, making these substances more appealing.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

The first thing that one must look out for is tolerance. If you need to drink more than your usual intake to feel relaxed or ‘buzzed’, and you tend to drink more than other people without getting drunk, you need more than one smoke a day to calm down, and smoking has become the first response to any stressor, these are early sign of alcoholism and nicotine addiction. When we start needing that ‘wake-up’ drink or smoke, when the hands start to tremor if the morning drink is not taken, or drinking to avoid symptoms of anxiety or jumpiness, shakiness, nausea, insomnia, headache, fatigue, it's a red flag warning for withdrawals. When you’ve lost control over using the substances - such as drinking or smoking more than you’d like, you’ve tried to quit but it doesn’t work, you’ve given up on other activities, but you still continue to do them even when it’s causing problems, then it’s best to decide to seek help.

What Happens to Your Brain When You Consume Alcohol and Nicotine?

Ethanol, a psychoactive drug with relaxant and euphoric effects is present in alcohol. The initial feelings of relaxation will often turn into hangovers, exhaustion, vomiting and/or loss of consciousness. There are devastating consequences for alcoholism but not all alcoholics are at equal risks for brain damage.

Alcoholism affects the executive functioning of an individual, which is, attention, perception, memory, self-awareness, judgment, problem solving, and social conduct. The individual’s abilities in these areas will be hampered because of the effect of the alcohol.

Nicotine activates certain receptors in the brain which facilitate the release of neurotransmitters, which mainly deals with pleasure, stimulation, and mood modulation. Tolerance to nicotine leads to neuroadaptation which will ultimately lead to withdrawals when stopped. Withdrawals to nicotine will result in increased eating, anxiety, and irritability. Reinforcement of nicotine could come from the taste and smell of tobacco, as well as certain environmental cues, and moods.

• Everyone drinks Alcohol, it's not a problem if I do it too. Atleast 45% of the world’s adult population do not take alcohol. So, no, not everyone drinks alcohol.
• Since Alcohol is legal, it can’t be too bad. Alcohol is legal, but deaths due to alcohol are at an alarming rate of 1in 20 deaths globally. Alcohol alone may not possibly kill you, but it would lead you to doing other things which would keep you at the risk of losing your life; eg - driving under the influence, liver disease, depression, and behaving rashly to name a few.
• I won’t get addicted, it won’t happen to me. Not everyone who misuses alcohol drinks daily. It could be in the form of binge drinking, drinking only when things get hard or too stressful, and not everyone can tolerate the same amount of intake in the same way,
• Smoking helps to relieve my stress No, not really. The relief you get is probably the deep breaths you take, and taking a break from the situation that’s causing you stress. The calming effect you get is simply due to the relief of symptoms caused by nicotine withdrawal.
• Smoking a few cigarettes is fine and harmless Health risks from light smoking are still substantial. The risk of death by smoking is increased by 57% as compared to people who don’t smoke
• The damage is done, it’s too late to quit. It’s never too late to quit or get things right. Reaching out for help is the best thing you can do, and there are always people ready and willing to help.

How to Navigate Through This Problem?

The Bible warns against drunkenness and excessive drinking. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

Admitting you have a problem is the first step in getting help. It takes courage and strength to admit that you need help. Denial or minimizing the issue will not do us good when we are trying to get better. Reaching out for help is the next step to take. Getting support is essential, be it in the form of rehab or treatment. Recovering from addiction is much easier when there are people around you who can support you and encourage you through the process. They can provide you comfort and encouragement. Support through specific support groups will introduce you to specific people who have gone through and come out of similar situations you were in.

Professional treatment is usually ideal to make sure one gets the best possible help. The recovery process will depend on the treatment process - mental health treatment, detox process, learning new lifestyle changes, coping strategies, how to deal with the environment once you’re out of the treatment facility, and the follow-ups. Medical detox may also be necessary, along with professional counselling. Dealing with the triggers that got you into addiction will also have to be dealt with. Relapse prevention strategies can also be used to identify risky situations and how to deal with cravings without resorting back to the substances.

It may not also be so easy, going through the whole process of getting better. Triggers may become more prominent once alcohol is not used as a coping mechanism anymore, but you will be in a healthier position to finally address them and seek the help you need.1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures believers that God provides a way out of temptation, which means that we can seek His strength to overcome harmful behaviors. Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," emphasizing reliance on God for help in overcoming struggles.

How to help someone going through this problem?

Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to encourage one another and not neglect meeting together, emphasizing the strength found in community. It may not be so easy to know that someone you know and love is going through addiction, and it can take as much of a toll on you, as on them. One thing you must know is that you are not alone, and there is help available for both you and them. James 5:16 encourages believers to pray for one another, reflecting the spiritual support that can be offered through prayer. One can never force someone to stop abusing the substances, the choice is up to them. But you can always talk to them honestly about what you feel about this situation.

Don’t threaten or preach to them, avoid behaviors that would make them feel more guilty and may compel them to resort to the substances again from the guilt. Don’t cover up for them for their consequences because of the abuse. Don’t take over their responsibilities, and go along with what they say or do, and do not feel guilty or responsible for the abuser’s problems and behavior. There is only so much we can say or control. The choice is up to them to decide what to do. The Bible speaks of God’s power to heal and restore those who are struggling. James 5:16 encourages confession and prayer for healing. In the context of spiritual support, Matthew 18:15 encourages believers to gently restore those who have sinned, underscoring the importance of approaching others with grace and love.

But what we can do is encourage them to get help, guide them towards professionals who would be able to effectively help them get better, and support them along their recovery journey.

(All information in this article is Public Domain)

References:

• 10 Common Myths about Smoking and Quitting - Tobacco and Smoking. Nsw.gov.au, 2019.
• “APA Dictionary of Psychology.” Dictionary.apa.org, dictionary.apa.org/alcohol-abuse.
• “APA Dictionary of Psychology.” Dictionary.apa.org, dictionary.apa.org/nicotine-dependence.
• Helmer, Jodi. “Alcohol Use Disorder: Myths and Facts.” WebMD, 26 May 2023.
• Oscar-Berman, Marlene, and Ksenija Marinković. “Alcohol: Effects on Neurobehavioral Functions and the Brain.” Neuropsychology Review, vol. 17, no. 3, 15 Sept. 2007, pp. 239–257, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-007-9038-6.