Why Do I Smoke More When I Drink?? (cold, smoking, death)

[GCSTroop]

I think this is a rather common problem amongst smokers who also drink. I've noticed that it's not impossible for me to go through a pack or more in one night of drinking although I'm only about a 1/2 pack a day smoker. I'm not a heavy drinker, and even when I drink a few beers it's like I've already started chain smoking.

I assume it has to do with lowered inhibitions, but it seems more like the craving is persistently there. I suppose it's kind of hard to explain to a non-smoker, but all you other smokers out there who drink probably know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

If it is due to lowered inhibitions, would it be fair to say that a drug addict who drinks alcohol might be more prone to crave his/her drug of choice while drinking as well?? I just can't quite put the pieces together on this one although I think it's a fairly obvious answer.

[allah truth]

yes, i know exactly what you are talking about. its hard to really know exactly why it is, but i find that drinking puts you in a state in which you act on instincts. as a smoker its almost a natural instinct to smoke. often youll do things with out even thinking about them. the more drunk you get the less youll even realize that youre chain-smoking. also desires become much more intense. ive also noticed an increase desire to smoke marijuana, to have sex, to eat, to be social, and ect.

[groove1]

Lowered inhibitions is part of it. The other part is that alcohol and nicotine act synergestically, making the effects of each other more powerful, so each is more addictive when using both together.

[Miss Blue]

Troop, you need to go to a smokeless bar..It will break the habit of smoking so much when you drink...When I smoked, I thought that everytime I had a cup of coffee or got on the phone that I had to smoke..I always smoked outside and everytime some phoned to chat I had to get a cup of and a cigarette and head outsidel..

[jessiegirl_98]

Lower inhibitions and you have linked the two in your mind...your body thinks that alcohol=smoking so if you drink you crave smoking more.

[dennis s]

I love cigars but haven't had one in two years. Everytime I smell one in a bar I start to crave one. So far I have resisted but I'm feeling a strong pull to the dark side.

My point is............ maybe just the smell of someone elses death stick makes you crave one.

[jhlcomp]

Doesn't that also apply to smoking + coffee = more of both? I've known smokers who really coffee and cig to get rolling in the morning.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by jhlcomp

Doesn't that also apply to smoking + coffee = more of both? I've known smokers who really coffee and cig to get rolling in the morning.

It's the same link in your mind (or the link of smell another poster mentioned). It's basic psych. Remember Pavlov's dog? Pavlov would ring a bell and then fed his dog. The dog was soon salivating at the sound of the bell because of the link to the food in his mind. Your brain links these things together so when you have one (coffee, alcohol, etc), it expects the other.

[GCSTroop]

Originally Posted by blue62

Troop, you need to go to a smokeless bar..It will break the habit of smoking so much when you drink...When I smoked, I thought that everytime I had a cup of coffee or got on the phone that I had to smoke..I always smoked outside and everytime some phoned to chat I had to get a cup of and a cigarette and head outsidel..

You know, even as a smoker, I do like smokeless bars for the exact reason you stated. The first time I went to one (in Canada) I was a little ticked off. Then I realized that I did smoke less because it was so freaking cold outside I only went when I really wanted one. Well, the next morning I woke up feeling much much better even considering the massive amounts of alcohol I consumed the night before... I think you're right Blue!

[jomo]

i can't figure out why i can go all week without a smoke not even craving one, but as soon as friday rolls around & i am out having drinks i neeed a cigerette!!! i do not smoke unless i drink. weird!