Is it bad to give up alcohol & smoking together?

Question

I have been going to AA for stopping drinking, and I decided to stop smoking because I thought if I dont smoke, then I wont want to drink, and vise versa, besides the fact that smoking was making me ill, but the AA's told me not to give up smoking until I have had a year sobriety. Is this true?

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

You should give both up immediately, this a choice between living an extra ten to twenty years. Your choice. You can have a little alchohol sometimes.

Answer 3

i gave up smoking recently ,but i am certainly not giving up drinking , whats the point if its making you ill you are going to die anyway .

Answer 4

People are motivated in different ways.

Some people have found that the 'focus' needed to change one habit, helps them to change another at the same time. But this is very rare.

'Giving things up' (letting go of self-destructive habits) is difficult, and can be so difficult that you fail. Many people succeed in becoming sober after several failed attempts.

AA groups have a lot of experience in making the process work, and supporting members when it's not working. The more fully you follow the advice you have been given, the easier it will be to become sober.

As your sobriety becomes more successful, your ability to 'give up' smoking will increase. In the meantime, gradually reducing the amount of smoking you do will make it easier to stop altogether when the right time comes.

Answer 5

No your body is physically dependent. People think an addict can just give up like that. When you get to a stage where your body is dependent on a drug be careful. Your on A high at the moment for giving up the drink ( very good) just concentrate on that and deal with other demons later.

Very very good luck. Well done

Answer 6

That's what they usually tell people and having stopped smoking myself I would agree. Stopping smoking can be more than hellish. It's all you can do to deal with it. If you're really concerned, you can try a safer source of nicotine, such as Commit lozenges or e cigarettes.

Answer 7

It totally depends on the individual. For you it may be better to stop smoking now, for others it may be too much. I gave up smoking earlier this year (was a heavy smoker for over 20 years) and decided to get fit at the same time, although all the advice lines say you should not bother about fitness and weight when you first quit.

I found it better to see stopping smoking as a complete lifestyle change and address my general laziness at the same time.

Also a year less smoking is good!

Answer 8

i honstly dont get that?maybe it was said to help you take it one step at a tym..since its AA,then it might be that your alcohol intake is worse thanur smoking habit..so its basically like,choosing the lesser evil..and would probly help you to focus on one problem,solve it, then go to the next one..nyway, its bad to stop it suddenly..because both can cause w/drawal symptoms..to avoid such, one must gradually taper hes/her smoking and drinking..Godbless

Answer 9

they proby dont want you to take on too much at once.. one thing at a time and your more likely to succeed

Answer 10

they probably told you this because to give up one addiction you have replaced it with another. so their thoery is if you give up smoking you will start drinking again and they figure if you can make it one year sober without alcohol then you wont need the cigs. Truth is its a losing battle and you SHOULD give up both for good. All AA is worried about is you not drinking but it is possible to give up both at the same time, its just really hard. Find a support group and just do it. just keep working it...it works