Major Reason Why You Smoke, Take Alcohol Or Do Both

Throughout history humans have
engaged in practices that alter their
psychological state. There are many
reasons why people wish to change their
mental and emotional status. It is not
hard to imagine the rationale for the very
first alcohol-induced experience--it arose
from curiosity. Perhaps one of our
ancestors ate some fermenting fruit and
felt a pleasant sensation that piqued his
curiosity.

Curiosity is still a prevalent
reason for alcohol consumption today.
We are bombarded with messages
promoting alcohol use, and we are
curious to find out just what it feels like
to consume alcohol.
Another reason for alcohol consumption
is stress reduction. We live in trying
times, and alcohol is seen as a way to
alleviate our stress. Self-medication for
other problems carries over to alcohol
ingestion. Alcohol can ease physical and
emotional pain. If the person who
consumes alcohol is also using
medications for pain relief, the effects of
alcohol can be intensified.

Alcohol is often served at social
gatherings and is a normal part of the
setting at places such as taverns where
people go to congregate with others.
Many believe that alcohol instills a sense
of social confidence and promotes
relaxation in the company of others. This
occurs because of alcohol's disinhibition
effects. There is no doubt that loneliness
can serve as an incentive for alcohol use
and abuse.
Isolation can be another reason to use
alcohol. People who have poor support
networks, decreased mobility, and limited
access to transportation may turn to
alcohol. This type of situation is
particularly prevalent among senior
citizens.

People enjoy the psychoactive effects of
alcohol for various reasons. It provides a
sense of relief and disassociation from
reality. A sense of adventure or perhaps
a spiritual search is often given as the
causative reason for alcohol
consumption.
Perhaps the most problematic reason for
alcohol use is peer pressure. Many
adolescents and college students find
themselves in situations where alcohol is
present. Because younger people often
lack self-confidence or the refusal skills
to handle the pressures of such
situations, they often begin to experiment
with alcohol and before you know they become addicts

it all goes down to peer pressure.