Studies have identified genetic variants associated with both nicotine dependence and alcohol dependence, suggesting a shared genetic susceptibility which increases the likelihood of drinking and smoking heavily
Our psychological triggers may include such things as the habit of smoking while talking on the phone, driving a vehicle, working, upon waking, before going to bed, when leaving a store, when around other smokers, while drinking, surrounding romance, when alone, after meals, during celebrations, when sad, during stressful situations, during other specific emotions, or upon visiting specific locations (garage, porch, garden, in-laws, bathroom)
This means your HDL cholesterol percentage of total cholesterol actually improves with moderate alcohol consumption
Raising the smoking age to 21 (and every year thereafter) would not only prevent more young people from becoming smokers, but it would also prevent the number of people suffering from smoking-related health problems
