Smoking Alcohol is a New Trend with College Students

Uncover the rising trend of smoking alcohol among college students and its hidden dangers.

Published On

April 22, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

Smoking Alcohol is a New Trend with College Students

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Alcohol and tobacco are two of the most commonly used substances worldwide. Their use, either separately or concurrently, significantly impacts public health, creating a myriad of health risks and challenges for individuals and communities.

Co-Occurrence of Alcohol and Tobacco Use

The co-occurrence of alcohol and tobacco use is a significant concern. According to NCBI, smokers are more likely to drink alcohol than non-smokers, and more alcohol drinkers smoke cigarettes than non-drinkers. This pattern of concurrent use results in a host of health hazards which are often more severe than those associated with the individual use of these substances.

Epidemiological data suggest that daily smokers are more likely to meet criteria for hazardous drinking and other alcohol-related diagnoses by three-fold. This risk increases by five-fold and 16-fold in non-daily smoking adults and non-daily smoking young adults, respectively. Non-daily and daily smokers were also at higher risk for greater alcohol use patterns, including greater consumption and higher binge-like alcohol intake [1].

The health risks of the concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco are notably multiplicative. For instance, while the use of alcohol or tobacco alone is associated with 6 to 7 times increased risk for developing oral cancers, the concurrent use of both alcohol and tobacco increases this risk by 300 times. Other health risks associated with concurrent use also include increased cardiovascular risks, increased risk for cirrhosis, head and neck cancers, pancreatitis, and psychiatric co-morbidity.

Moreover, heavy use of alcohol and smoking alone are significant health hazards, but the combination of the two can result in synergistic adverse effects, particularly in incidences of various cancers such as esophagus.

Hence, the emerging trend of 'smoking alcohol,' which combines the use of these two substances, is a worrying prospect. The rise in popularity of this trend, especially among college students, aggravates the already severe health risks associated with the individual and concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco.

Smoking Alcohol Trend

Recent trends indicate that the consumption of alcohol in traditional ways may be taking a backseat to more dangerous methods, particularly among the younger generation. One such method that is growing in popularity is smoking alcohol.

Rising Popularity Among College Students

Smoking alcohol, a re-emerging trend, has recently gained popularity among teens and college students, causing concern among healthcare providers. This trend involves consuming alcohol in a state of vapor, bypassing the stomach and liver and going directly from the lungs to the brain and bloodstream, leading to rapid intoxication with a higher strength and potent effect.

The popularity of this trend may be attributed to several factors. Many individuals perceive smoking alcohol as an alternative to traditional drinking that eliminates calories, carbs, and impurities—claims that have been propagated by new products like the “Vaportini,” designed specifically to vaporize alcohol. Additionally, the rapid and intense effects of smoking alcohol, similar to quick substances like cocaine and methamphetamine, can be alluring to individuals seeking an immediate high.

However, this dangerous trend is fraught with risks. Individuals who smoke alcohol are at a much higher risk of alcohol overdose, known as “alcohol poisoning,” as there is no effective way to expel the alcohol from the system once it's absorbed by the brain. Furthermore, the risk of addiction is significantly higher due to the rapid and intense effects of smoking alcohol.

As the popularity of smoking alcohol continues to rise among college students, it is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to raise awareness about the serious risks associated with this trend. This includes educating young individuals about the long-term consequences of alcohol abuse and promoting healthier, safer alternatives for socializing and relaxation.

Dangers of Smoking Alcohol

The new trend of smoking alcohol among college students, while perceived as a novel way to consume alcohol, harbors a multitude of risks that are far more severe than traditional alcohol consumption.

Rapid Intoxication and Intense Effects

Smoking alcohol allows it to bypass the stomach and liver, going directly from the lungs and into the bloodstream, resulting in rapid intoxication. This method of consumption delivers high strength and more potent effects of alcohol to the brain, intensifying the inebriation process.

This method presents a risky scenario as the onset of effects is not only immediate but also intense. This rapid and potent intoxication can be enticing to some, particularly young adults seeking a quick and strong buzz, but it leads to potentially dangerous outcomes.

Risk of Addiction and Alcohol Poisoning

The risks associated with smoking alcohol extend beyond rapid intoxication. Individuals who engage in this trend are at a much higher risk of alcohol overdose, also known as “alcohol poisoning”. This is because, once the alcohol is absorbed by the brain, there is no effective way to expel it from the system.

Additionally, the risk of addiction is elevated due to the rapid and intense effects of smoking alcohol, mirroring the addictive effects of quick substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine. These factors can lead to greater potential for abuse.

Furthermore, the combination of alcohol and tobacco use, which is common in this trend, is associated with 6 to 7 times increased risk for developing oral cancers. Concurrent use of both substances increases this risk by 300 times, extending to increased cardiovascular risks and increased risk for cirrhosis, head and neck cancers, pancreatitis, and psychiatric co-morbidity [1].

Overall, the dangers of smoking alcohol are severe and manifold. The rapid intoxication and intense effects, coupled with the risk of addiction and alcohol poisoning, emphasize the need for awareness and education to counteract this dangerous trend.

Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption

While the trend of smoking alcohol among college students might seem appealing or exciting, it's important to be aware of the substantial health risks linked with alcohol consumption. These range from immediate effects, often experienced as hangovers, to long-term health issues, and even life-threatening conditions such as alcohol poisoning and chronic diseases.

Immediate and Long-Term Effects

Drinking heavily every day or in binges can result in immediate effects such as hangovers. Symptoms of a hangover, such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea, usually last up to 24 hours and their severity often depends on how the body metabolizes alcohol [4].

In addition to hangovers, binge drinking, which involves heavy drinking over a short period to get severely intoxicated, can lead to more serious consequences like alcohol poisoning. Long-term effects of binge drinking may include heart disease, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes.

Alcohol Poisoning and Chronic Diseases

Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. This condition can occur from heavy drinking, with signs of alcohol poisoning including confusion, seizures, slow breathing, vomiting, and unconsciousness [4].

Moreover, any level of alcohol consumption can pose an increased risk of chronic disease development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption contributed to over 200 different types of diseases and injuries. In 2016, 5.3% of global deaths were caused by alcohol consumption, with more men dying from it compared to women.

Heavy use of alcohol and smoking alone are significant health hazards, but the combination of the two can result in synergistic adverse effects, particularly in incidences of various cancers (e.g., esophagus) [2].

In conclusion, while the trend of smoking alcohol might seem like a harmless fad, it's essential for students and the wider public to be aware of the immediate and long-term dangers of alcohol consumption. This awareness can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Legalities and Consequences

Understanding the legalities and consequences of alcohol possession and consumption is crucial, especially in light of the rising trend of smoking alcohol among college students.

Laws on Alcohol Possession

In many jurisdictions, it's illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or attempt to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. For instance, the Code of Virginia § 4.1-305 outlines this law clearly [5].

Moreover, a person can keep and possess lawfully acquired alcoholic beverages in his residence for personal use or for use by his family. However, it is illegal for parents to serve alcohol to guests in their home unless the guests are 21 years of age or older or are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 years of age or older [5].

Furthermore, it is illegal for any person to purchase for, or otherwise give, provide, or assist in providing alcoholic beverages for another person whom they know to be less than 21 years of age. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor and, if convicted, the court may order jail time for up to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $2,500 [5].

Impact of Underage Drinking

Violators of the age restriction on alcohol possession are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $2,500 and/or a year in jail if convicted. At a minimum, the court will order a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or a mandatory 50 hours of community service and suspend the driver’s license or deny driving privileges for not less than six months. The court may also order substance abuse education, counseling, and treatment.

The consequences of underage drinking extend beyond legal penalties. They can have serious implications for a young person’s health, academic performance, and personal relationships. Furthermore, engaging in risky drinking behaviors such as smoking alcohol can increase the risk of addiction, alcohol poisoning, and other serious health risks. It's essential for young people to understand these risks and the importance of making informed decisions about alcohol use.

Genetic and Neurological Influences

Understanding the genetic and neurological influences on addiction can help shed light on the growing trend of smoking alcohol among college students. In this section, we will explore the genetic factors in addiction and the interaction between alcohol and nicotine.

Genetic Factors in Addiction

Research has shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of addiction. Certain genetic markers may make an individual more susceptible to substance abuse, including the misuse of alcohol and nicotine. These markers can affect how the brain responds to these substances, influencing the likelihood of developing an addiction.

Furthermore, studies have found that individuals with a family history of substance abuse are at a greater risk of developing an addiction themselves. This suggests a strong genetic component in the development of addictive behaviors.

However, it's important to note that while genetics can increase the risk of addiction, they do not determine an individual's fate. Environmental factors, such as peer pressure and societal norms, can also play a crucial role in the development of addiction.

Interaction Between Alcohol and Nicotine

The interaction between alcohol and nicotine is another factor to consider in the rising trend of smoking alcohol among college students. According to NCBI, alcohol and tobacco use are highly comorbid and have multiplicative health risks when used concurrently.

The co-use of alcohol or tobacco, when used alone, is associated with 6 to 7 times increased risk for developing oral cancers, whereas concurrent use of both alcohol and tobacco increases this risk by 300 times. The supra-multiplicative health risks associated with co-use also extend to increased cardiovascular risks and increased risk for cirrhosis, head and neck cancers, pancreatitis, and psychiatric co-morbidity.

Simultaneous administration of alcohol and nicotine causes additive or synergistic analgesic effects. Certain deleterious effects of alcohol (e.g., cognitive impairment, subjective intoxication, and sedating properties) appear to be alleviated by nicotine [2].

These findings underscore the immense health risks associated with the concurrent use of alcohol and nicotine. The genetic and neurological influences on addiction, coupled with the multiplicative health risks of alcohol and tobacco co-use, make the trend of smoking alcohol among college students particularly concerning.