Topic: Cigarettes and Alcohol

On another thread, Neil wrote:

QUOTE:

Hi Dave
Why do you keep trying to add excessive drinking to a smoking thread?
If you want to talk or write about alcohol open a thread on it. .......Neil

Hi Neil

I'm pleased you asked. I'll have a go at explaining myself...

Nicotine and alcohol are two of the most widely used, legally available recreational drugs. Both are addictive. Both can have serious consequences for the users, as well as consequences for innocent bystanders. Both are subject to age and advertising restrictions. Both are heavily taxed to provide revenue and to limit their use. Both are the focus of high-profile campaigns by governments and health organisations. And scary statistics showing financial and medical implications are regularly published for both.

I've noticed one interesting difference between the smokers and drinkers on this forum however. I have said before that I'm addicted to nicotine (and caffeine - but perhaps that is to widen the discussion too far!), but I do not recall one single drinker admitting to alcohol addiction - which is surprising since, according to Drinkaware, 1 in every 17 people in the UK is 'alcohol-dependent'. On a Ventura-sized ship that's about 200 people dependant on alcohol. On this forum that's well over 600 members.

There are, however, hints to the real extent of the problem. Just remember how many questions are asked about alcohol on this site: "How much are drinks on...?"; "Can I bring my own bottles?"; even, "What happens if I'm caught smuggling alcohol on board?" Okay, much more than hints then.

It puzzles me why some people who freely admit to 'liking the occasional drink' should be so hard on those who 'like the occasional cigarette'. It seems blatantly hypocritical for someone who risks their liver to have a go at someone who risks their lungs!

You might say that your drinking doesn't affect me, whilst my smoking does affect you. Perhaps, but then again, perhaps not. The considerate drinker keeps their voice down; tries not to knock things over or to start fights; and tries not to throw up in a public area. The considerate smoker gets as far away from non-smokers as possible.

I had thought that with the ever-hardening anti-alcohol stance of our leaders, drinkers would realise that their habit (or pastime if you prefer) is increasingly under threat. I think it is extremely short-sighted of some drinkers to alienate their comrades in self-harm just to have smoke-free bars to get 'merry' in. ;)

Regards

(Thanks to Oasis for the title 'Cigarettes and Alcohol' - one of my favourite songs!)

In simplistic terms: If the person next to me is smoking it can affect my health. I can breath in the smoke, it make my clothes and hair smell awful. If however the person sitting next to me has a drink so what? It has no affect on me. Hence the difference.

QUOTE:

In simplistic terms: If the person next to me is smoking it can affect my health. I can breath in the smoke, it make my clothes and hair smell awful.

I take your point - in simplistic terms! In my case, you would have to come and sit by me because I would be in a clearly indicated small area outside where smoking is permitted.

QUOTE:

If however the person sitting next to me has a drink so what? It has no affect on me. Hence the difference.

One thing I've noticed about the effects of alcohol is that the user tends to remain blissfully unaware of the changes in their behaviour. ;)

Couldn't agree with you more Dave :D

Which brings us full circle .......they are having fun.

Great posts Dave.

QUOTE:

Which brings us full circle .......they are having fun.

Hi Christiaan

This is from Drinkaware's website:

'Contrary to what many people believe, alcohol is not a stimulant. It is a depressant. This is why drinking too much often leads to impaired judgement, slurring of the speech, a tendency to violent behaviour and loss of short-term memory.'

As a depressant, alcohol reduces or removes those inhibitions that normally prevent us from making fools of ourselves. Some people call this: 'having fun'. ;)

Regards

QUOTE:

Hi Christiaan

This is from Drinkaware's website:

'Contrary to what many people believe, alcohol is not a stimulant. It is a depressant. This is why drinking too much often leads to impaired judgement, slurring of the speech, a tendency to violent behaviour and loss of short-term memory.'

As a depressant, alcohol reduces or removes those inhibitions that normally prevent us from making fools of ourselves. Some people call this: 'having fun'. ;)

Regards

Exactly. I was referring to the other thread where people who didn't smoke and drink were not having as much fun. That was according to the newspaper report.

Now it's 7 pm so it's time to have some ' fun' in the kitchen !

QUOTE:

In simplistic terms: If the person next to me is smoking it can affect my health. I can breath in the smoke, it make my clothes and hair smell awful. If however the person sitting next to me has a drink so what? It has no affect on me. Hence the difference.

Also if someone becomes a problem with alcohol they will be put of of the ship,and yes I have seen this happen.
Actually Dave ,how many times are you going to regurgitate this thread, regards smoking and then citing alcohol dependancy, it's getting so boring now.

As for smoker's having a better time than non smoker's what a load of tosh,you are what you are and if you are a miserable old git normally,! then your are still a miserable old git whether you smoke or not.
If you want to smoke that's up to you as long as it dosen't affect me I really don't care, so change the record we are all sick and tired of it.

QUOTE:

Exactly. I was referring to the other thread where people who didn't smoke and drink were not having as much fun. That was according to the newspaper report.

Now it's 7 pm so it's time to have some ' fun' in the kitchen !

Hi Christiann

I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist this... :o

There are several Ocean Shores around the world but as far as I can see, it's only about 7pm in the one near Brunswick Heads in NSW, Australia. ;)

Regards