I apologize in advance for the personal/GTKY
/rantishness aspects of this node, but there are some issues here that I've pondered for quite a while.
In a nutshell: I hate smoking. I think smoking is a thoroughly disgusting habit. I truly believe that the tobacco industry is built up and perpetuated on a colossal lie.
And yet, I drink alcohol. Does this make me a hypocrite? One could argue as such, but I have a arguments of my own to posit here.
- Smoking is disgusting. In essence, one is igniting a collection of combustible materials, and inhaling the resulting toxic gases into one's system. This revolting collection of chemicals includes quite a few carcinogens as well as other substances that are generally bad for one's health.
- Every time a person smokes, they affect not only their own health, but the health of those around them. Yes, a smoker is not only producing this disturbing noxious assortment within their own environment, but also the environment of any unfortunate individuals in close proximity. This means, I'm within breathing distance of a smoker, I'm also breathing in toxic detritus with possible adverse effects on my own health.
- The tobacco industry is built upon a lie. The legal age by which a person can legitimately purchase tobacco products, in North America at least, is usually in the 18-19 range. Yet ask any smoker at what age they started their "habit", and for the vast majority, it will be their early teens, if not younger. How many people do you know who turn 18/19, and say something along the lines of "I just turned the legal age to purchase and use tobacco products. Although I've never smoked, I think I'll start now..."?
- Drinking does not immediately adversely affect others within the drinker's proximity. It is true that alcohol abuse can, in some instances, affect others; an inebriated driver can be a danger to other drivers or pedestrians; an alcoholic can cause emotional or psychological distress to his or her family and friends, etc. Yet unlike smokers, if you're sitting next to a person who is drinking, they're not invading your environment with a flood of toxic substances.
- Moderate drinking may actually have some positive health benefits. Much research has been conducted which suggests that moderate drinking can actually improve one's health; for example, by raising the amount of so-called "good cholesterol" which consequently lowers the amount of "bad cholesterol" in one's bloodstream. When was the last time you heard that moderate smoking had any positive health benefits?
- It is possible to be a "social drinker". That is to say, that not everybody who drinks alcohol can be considered an addict. With smokers, however, the majority can truly be labelled as tobacco or nicotine addicts. I know that counter examples exist, such as people who smoke only "every once in a while". Yet common sense would indicate that there are far more smokers who are true addicts than there are drinkers who are alcoholics.
I realize, of course, that drinking
alcohol can be seen as a disgusting habit in its own right, and that it also constitutes health risks, potential for abuse, and potential for
detrimental effects upon others, but I hope that this write-up has at least pointed out some of the more striking
contrasts between these two activities.