Alcohol and tobacco use are the leading causes of preventable diseases, health conditions and deaths in the United States, according to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. A person may be either a smoker or a drinker but in most cases it's both. Drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco are habit forming and can become addictive. Usually alcoholics and smokers find it difficult to quit. Drinking and smoking have several damaging effects on a person's body.
Mouth and Throat Cancer
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking and smoking can lead to mouth and throat cancer. Smoking contributes to approximately 80 percent of all oral cancer cases. This risk factor is significantly increased with alcoholism. Oral cancers commonly begin as a white oral plaque or mouth sores and ulcers. These malignant lesions are initially painless but develop into painful and burning sores as the disease develops. Oral cancers can spread or metastasize to nearby and surrounding areas like the tongue, head, neck, salivary glands and lymph nodes. Treatment of oral cancer involves surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is one of the possible effects of drinking and smoking, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Tobacco use can increase the chances of heart attack and stroke. Using cigarettes causes atherosclerosis, or plaque formation, in the blood vessels that can block circulation. Nicotine, a substance found in cigarettes, can raise blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's capacity to carry and transport oxygen. Alcohol intake can also increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels. A high triglyceride reading raises the risk for developing atherosclerosis.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, can result from drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, says the American Cancer Society. Alcohol and tobacco are considered carcinogenic substances. Frequent alcohol intake and alcoholism can lead to liver cirrhosis, a chronic and abnormal scarring condition that impairs liver function. Most liver cirrhosis cases develop into liver cancer. This type of cancer is treated through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and liver transplant. Minimizing or completely eradicating alcohol and tobacco in the body can significantly reduce liver cancer.
