Here’s what happens to the body when you drink alcohol and smoke too

Mixing alcohol and tobacco may seem like a social norm, but your body sees it as a severe stress test.

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | Updated: May 10, 2025 09:47 AM IST

3 min read

Combining alcohol and smoking can lead to severe health issues—from digestive problems to heart disease and cancer (Source: Freepik)

The occasional drink or cigarette might seem harmless to some, but when alcohol and smoking are combined—especially regularly—they can deliver a double blow to your body.

According to Dr Narander Singla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, the combination isn’t just unhealthy; it can be devastating, especially over time.

Mixing alcohol and tobacco may seem like a social norm, but your body sees it as a severe stress test. Dr Singla explains that alcohol causes dehydration and impairs your cognitive functions, meaning your ability to make sound decisions is reduced. Smoking simultaneously attacks your respiratory system, making it harder to breathe efficiently.

“When these two substances are combined,” he says, “they can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort, gastritis, and indigestion.” You may also experience immediate effects like impaired coordination and poor judgment, which not only endanger you but also those around you.

Your organs suffer—together

The dangers of smoking and drinking extend far beyond the night out. Dr Singla warns that both substances independently damage vital organs—but when taken together, the impact is compounded. “Smoking impairs lung function and alcohol damages the liver, but together, they strain the cardiovascular system,” he explains.

This dangerous pairing increases blood pressure, damages arteries, and puts excessive strain on the heart. Over time, your immune system also takes a hit, making you more vulnerable to infections. If you’re wondering about your reproductive health, the news isn’t good either. “Both habits can cause reduced fertility and even sexual dysfunction,” Dr Singla notes.

This dangerous pairing increases blood pressure, damages arteries, and puts excessive strain on the heart. (file)

The long-term price is steep

The chronic use of both alcohol and tobacco doesn’t just add risk—it multiplies it. “Their combined impact is synergistic,” says Dr Singla, “which means the resulting damage is greater than the sum of each on its own.”

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This duo significantly heightens your risk of life-threatening conditions like lung, liver, throat, and breast cancer. Long-term alcohol use can cause liver cirrhosis, while continued smoking leads to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. And let’s not forget stroke—another increased risk when both substances are used regularly.

Who’s most at risk?

While no one is truly “safe” from these health hazards, certain groups are more vulnerable. Dr Singla flags pregnant women, young adults, and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or respiratory illnesses as being particularly at risk.

“For pregnant women, it can lead to congenital defects and developmental issues for the baby,” he says. “Young people who begin smoking and drinking early face a higher likelihood of long-term addiction and chronic disease. And for those already living with conditions like high blood pressure or asthma, combining alcohol and tobacco can rapidly worsen symptoms and complicate treatment.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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