Why drinking and smoking together is worse than you think

A harmful combo

Combining alcohol and smoking may seem normal socially, but it's a dangerous mix that overloads your body, impairing decision-making and breathing simultaneously.

Immediate side effects

Together, these habits can cause dehydration, indigestion, poor coordination, and judgment—raising your risk of accidents and harming those around you.

Digestive system damage

This combo irritates the digestive tract, potentially causing gastritis, bloating, and long-term gastrointestinal issues if used regularly.

Organ damage multiplied

Alcohol harms the liver, smoking the lungs—but together, they strain your heart, damage arteries, and lower immune function, making infections more likely.

Reproductive risks

Drinking and smoking can reduce fertility in both men and women and may lead to sexual dysfunction due to hormonal and vascular damage.

Long-term disease risk

This duo increases the risk of cancers (lung, liver, throat), liver cirrhosis, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, and stroke—more than either habit alone.

Vulnerable groups

Pregnant women, youth, and people with diabetes or asthma are especially at risk. The combination can cause birth defects, addiction, or worsening health.

Synergistic damage