Like chocolate and peanut butter, or alcohol and cigarettes, some things just go together.
According to new research published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, one reason people always seem to pair of pint of Budweiser with a drag of a Marlboro is because the stimulative effect of nicotine cancels out the sleepiness brought on by alcohol consumption.
“We know that many people who drink alcohol also use nicotine, but we don’t know why exactly that is,” study author Mahesh Thakkar, associate professor of neurology at University of Missouri, said in a statement. “We have found that nicotine weakens the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol by stimulating a response in an area of the brain known as the basal forebrain.
“By identifying the reactions that take place when people smoke and drink, we may be able to use this knowledge to help curb alcohol and nicotine addiction,” he added.
Thakkar has been investigating the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol and nicotine for more than five years. His previous study has revealed that when used in combination, nicotine and alcohol boost enjoyable feelings by activating a region of the brain referred to as the reward center, which can lead to greater alcohol intake.
Cigarettes are a main contributor to alcoholism
During the most recent study, rats were fitted with sleep-recording electrodes and given alcohol and nicotine. The scientists learned that nicotine acts via the basal forebrain to curb the sleep-inducing results of alcohol consumption.
“One of the adverse effects of drinking alcohol is sleepiness,” Thakkar said. “However, when used in conjunction with alcohol, nicotine acts as a stimulant to ward off sleep. If an individual smokes, then he or she is much more likely to consume more alcohol, and vice-versa. They feed off one another.”
Cigarette smoking is a main contributive aspect to the development of alcoholism. Based on the World Health Organization, greater than 7 million deaths annually are related to alcohol and nicotine use. This study has significance to enhance health, not only for heavy drinkers and smokers, but also for people with mental health problems such as schizophrenia, which often is connected with smoking.
—–
Feature Image: Thinkstock
Comments