Simply put, smoking is a dangerous habit for anyone to adopt. Breathing in toxic fumes and addictive nicotine is far from healthy. However, did you know that this terrible habit can be even more dangerous for alcoholics than for other people? Over time, excessive alcohol consumption puts a damper on the immune system, making the body more susceptible to toxins and chemicals than regular smokers. Even more disturbing, the problems increase even after alcoholics have stopped drinking: 41% of alcoholics die in a 20-year period if they previously smoked (contrasting with 18.5% of general people). So, what makes smoking such a toxic habit for alcoholics? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Risks of Smoking Cigarettes
Ultimately, people who quit smoking are absolutely terrified of contracting lung cancer, but, in an ironic twist, one of the biggest killers of cigarettes users is heart disease (based on a report from the U.S. Surgeon General). Once smoked, the toxins enter the bloodstream and induce a range of dangerous health problems including:
- Atherosclerosis: the thickening and scarring of the arterial walls
- Blood clots and arterial inflammation
- Sudden cardiac death
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Constriction of the blood vessels
Also, keep in mind that smoking is one of the primary causes for a variety of cancers of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, stomach, kidneys, bladder, blood (acute myeloid leukemia), cervix, and more.
Can You Reverse These Effects?
Happily, we can report that you can, in fact, prevent and/or reverse some of the effects of smoking and preventing further damage if you are a recovering alcoholic, as well. By simply quitting smoking and drinking, people have already started to help their bodies and minds heal. After a period of 5 to 15 years, former smokers will regain the same health as a person who has never touched a cigarette. Denying the daily cigarette can also reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease exponentially. There is a lot of value put into “just saying no.”
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
