Smoking affects the body in many different ways. Various chemicals make up the components of cigarettes which are harmful to the body. 

Harmful effects of smoking:

• Risk of a stroke
• Risk of a heart attack
• Risk of infections 
• Risk of diseases
• Persistent cough
• Damaged teeth 
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste
• Infertility 
• Psychological problems
• Damaged skin
• Cancer 

When an individual smokes the nicotine travels to the brain and causes the brain to release dopamine and other neurotransmitters which results in a pleasurable sensation for a short period of time.

The chemicals in smoke cause the constriction of blood vessels, which forces blood to move through a smaller space. This can lead to damage to the blood vessel walls. The blood vessel walls become thick and hardened. There is an increased risk of blood clots forming too which can lead to a stroke or even a heart attack. 

Tar in cigarettes can affect the teeth’ enamel and causes decay. Smoking weakens bones and can cause eye diseases and problems with the immune system. Smoke can also damage nerve ending in the nose and can cause a loss over time. A loss of taste can also occur.

Smoking has also been linked to causing infertility in both males and females. Other problems include anxiety, irritability, yellow fingers, and wrinkly skin. 

The harmful effects on the lungs increase the risk of infections and diseases, such as COPD. Smoking harms the cilia hair which keeps the airways clean. The alveoli in the lungs fill with smoke which causes lung damage as the alveoli are where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. When an individual smokes, the alveoli fill with smoke, and the toxic gas carbon monoxide through into the capillaries and is passed around the body instead of the oxygen. This causes an individual to feel shortness of breath due to oxygen deprivation.

A persistent cough is also very common in smokers. A huge risk of smoking is the risk of developing cancer in many different parts of the body. 

When an individual decided to quit smoking these risks reduce significantly. 

There are many people to help you on your journey to quit smoking. There are also many resources available if you would like support with quitting smoking.  

Click here to get professional help. 

Alcohol affects the body in many different ways. Alcohol is a type of drink that is made of ethanol which acts as a drug. It is produced by the fermentation of grains, fruits, or vegetables. 

Harmful effects of alcohol:

• Slows reaction time 
• Affects coordination
• Affects judgment and decision making
• Uncontrolled emotions
• Memory problems 
• Weakens the immune system
• Risk of heart problems
• Risk of unconsciousness 
• Risk of organ damage 
• Psychological problems 
• Affects fertility 
• Risk of a miscarriage/premature birth during pregnancy

Alcohol slows down the signals in the nerves and brain. It slows down reaction time; therefore, it takes longer to react. This is why it is very dangerous to drive when you have consumed alcohol. Alcohol can result in impaired memory, slurred speech, difficulty walking, poor coordination, visual problems, headaches, poor concentration, and vomiting.

Alcohol can also result in poor judgment; therefore, people who have consumed alcohol will usually make poor decisions. Furthermore, alcohol can affect an individual’s emotions, usually resulting in the inability to control emotions. It also lowers inhibitors, increases heart rate, and increases hunger. Increased heart rate and blood flow to the skin cause the individual to appear red. 

Large consumption of alcohol can lead to unconsciousness. Long-term use of alcohol weakens the immune system; therefore, making the person more vulnerable to serious infections. Over time alcohol consumption can lead to addiction, and this can go on to affect numerous organs in the body. 

Excessive drinking can cause liver damage. The liver is involved in filtering the blood and removing alcohol using enzymes; however, the products of this reaction are toxic and can cause damage over time. 

Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, which can result in stomach ulcers. Other problems include shrinking brain cells, worsened memory problems, psychiatric problems, vitamin deficiency, and even cancer. 

Alcohol consumption can also affect fertility in both males and females. It is important to note that alcohol consumption during pregnancy is also very dangerous as it can increase the risk of a miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, or foetal alcohol syndrome. Furthermore, alcohol has many social implications, such as resulting in violence and the breakdown of relationships. 

When an individual decides to stop drinking alcohol, these risks reduce significantly.

There are many people to help you on your journey to quit drinking alcohol. There are also many resources available if you would like support with quitting alcohol. 

Click here to get professional help.