Can using snus increase the risk of becoming dependent on alcohol?
More often than not, tobacco and problem drinking go hand in hand. An individual may be at the bar and light up their cigarette as they sip their scotch. While this may not be a problem if it is a once-in-awhile activity, it can become an issue if it becomes an everyday occurrence. Many individuals have been moving away from smoking cigarettes, and trying other methods to get their tobacco fix. E-Cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years. What has not been quite as talked about is the use of snus. Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that shares similarities with dip and chewing tobacco. It comes in two forms: chewing and snuff. Many researchers have stated that snus is less dangerous that smoking tobacco. Snus users have been shown to have a lower risk of developing cancer than smokers do. While this may have some validity, there is still some danger in using snus. Researchers at Umea University believe that snus use puts an individual at an increased risk of developing alcohol dependency. Margareta Norberg, an Adjunct lecturer and ALC programmer at the Aging and Living Conditions Unea University, conducted a study that is based on the Vasterbotten Intervention Program. In this particular study, helmed by Norberg, about 21,000 individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 were studied. They were studied between the years of 1991 and 1997. None of the 21,000 participants had signs of alcohol dependency. When 75% of the individuals were studied 10 years later, a quarter of the men, and 4% of the women used snus during the first examination. Alcohol dependency was shown to have developed during the ten year period between studies for 8% of snus users, and 3% for non-snus users. Men were shown at a higher percentage than women. In conclusion, 499 men and 257 women developed a dependency to alcohol. The relationship between alcohol dependency and snus has been maintained by the participants. It was shown to have even increased over a period of time, both with men and women.
Norberg stated the following about her findings: "A doubled risk of alcohol dependency can be a seemingly quite moderate risk increase seen from the individual perspective, but if using snus is common in a given population, it means that the overall use of snus might have an impact on public health. It is therefore important that research results are made known to the general public and start being discussed." Alcohol dependency can become a serious issue if it is not addressed. When an individual drinks for prolonged periods of time, their body develops a dependency on it. When the desired effect is not achieved, the individual must drink more alcohol in order to achieve the desired effect. If you, or someone you know, may have a dependency to alcohol, it is important that you reach out to an alcohol addiction center. Alcohol addiction centers can help you find the help you need in order to overcome your dependency to alcohol. Contact your local alcohol addiction center today for more information.
References: http://www.drugaddictsupport.com/alcohol-addiction-andmoderate-drinking