Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine are all addictive substances, and many Americans find themselves trying to cut back. However, these three substances are very different from each other. Tobacco is the only one of the three that seems to have no redeeming value. Recent research suggests that alcohol and caffeine are not as bad as we thought, and may have some beneficial qualities in some cases. Old habits die hard, and it is important to have all the facts as you make choices that affect your health.
Addiction
There are two types of addiction, psychological and physical. Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can each cause both types of addiction.
Nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco, and withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, and headache last for about two weeks after smoking cessation. According to a study in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, over 90 percent of smokers will develop symptoms of addiction.
Addiction to alcohol is influenced by biology, with a 25 percent risk of alcoholism in children of alcoholics. Withdrawal from alcohol addiction can cause a dangerous reaction called delirium tremens, so it is important to get medical help for alcohol cessation.
Approximately 80 to 90 percent of adults and children In the United States today use caffeine on a regular basis. The U.S. average daily intake of caffeine is 289 mg. It only takes 100mg of caffeine per day to cause physical dependence, so physical addiction to caffeine is widespread. The main symptom of caffeine withdrawal is headache.
Tobacco
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes approximately 443,000 deaths per year. This accounts for nearly one in five of all deaths in the United States--more than AIDS, drugs, alcohol, car crashes, murder, and suicide combined. When faced with those statistics, nobody can give a convincing argument in favor of smoking. Even so, over 20 percent of American adults admit to smoking, though most wish they could stop. Tobacco is a tough habit to kick, but there is no physical danger from the symptoms of withdrawal after nicotine addiction. Many smokers find that they do best with the "cold turkey" method, and some find relief with nicotine patches or gum. Whatever the method, smoking cessation is a priority for anyone who is serious about staying healthy.
Alcohol
There can be no doubt that alcohol is a scourge on the health of Americans. The Alcohol-Related Disease Impact study suggests that there are nearly 80,000 deaths annually in the United States that are related to excessive alcohol use. Many of those deaths were attributable to accidents, violence and liver disease.
However, there is an upside to alcohol use. A number of studies have shown that regular alcohol use is associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Moderate drinking provides a number of health benefits, including a decreased risk of dementia, stroke, heart disease, and even death.
The bottom line is that people who are pregnant, predisposed to alcoholism, or at risk for breast cancer should not drink. For those who do drink, moderation seems to offer a number of health benefits.
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in many plants, notably coffee beans, tea leaves, cola nuts, and cocao beans. While caffeine has never been shown to cause any serious health risks, it may cause problems for people who suffer from anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal reflux. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, women who are pregnant should avoid caffeine, since it has been associated with low birth weight and miscarriage.
Even so, some people may want to think twice before giving up caffeine. A team from Nagoya University in Japan found that caffeine may help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Coffee drinking has been linked to reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In fact, people who drink a lot of coffee tend to live longer than those who do not, according to Psychology Today.
Choices
Americans have many choices when it comes to their health. Some choices are simple, and some are not so simple. Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine are addictive substances that are legally available in the United States.
It is easy to see that tobacco use is harmful, and the choice to abstain is an easy one to make. Unfortunately, quitting is easier said than done. The best way to stop smoking is to never start.
Alcohol has risks and benefits. For some individuals, the choice to abstain from alcohol is a wise one. For those who would benefit from the cardiovascular effects of alcohol, it is important to take a hard look at whether or not moderation will be possible. If it is not, it is better to abstain.
Caffeine is a substance that is found in many different foods and beverages. It is difficult, if not impossible, to completely avoid caffeine. The good news is, caffeine does not have any serious side effects for most people, and so if there is no compelling reason to eliminate it from the diet, it won't harm and might even help.
