Have you ever wondered why you crave nicotine when drinking?
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Why do we feel the want to smoke after consuming alcohol, especially if we don’t usually do so?
After a few beers, many of us have felt that familiar sensation where the want to smoke a cigarette suddenly appears in our thoughts and is impossible to resist.
It happens a lot more frequently than you may imagine, and people have been frantic to figure out why.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re one of these “social smokers” and have ever pondered where these annoying cravings come from.
According to Dr. John Dani, a neuroscientist and addiction specialist from the University of Pennsylvania, the desire to smoke while intoxicated stems from two different places.
First, he believes that nicotine ‘tricks’ the brain into creating memory associations between environmental cues – such as alcohol – and smoking behaviour.
“Our brains normally make these associations between things that support our existence and environmental cues so that we conduct behaviours leading to successful lives,” he explains.
“The brain sends a reward signal when we act in a way that contributes to our well-being.
“However, nicotine commandeers this subconscious learning process in the brain so we begin to behave as though smoking is a positive action.”
The neuroscientist also talks about his personal observations of coworkers who started smoking after consuming alcohol.
“I had known him for many years and never knew he smoked, but then he admitted he could really go for a cigarette,” Dr Dani continues.
“He said he hadn’t smoked in 20 years, not since high school. But now he has a few drinks and feels the urge to smoke.”
That is one factor, but there is also another one that contributes to the want to smoke when drinking.
It is well known that combining alcohol and nicotine can raise dopamine levels in the brain.
Once you’ve had a few, the combined effect of these two mechanisms makes cigarettes hard to resist.
This led Dr. Dani and his team to hypothesise that pairing nicotine with alcohol might result in even higher dopamine levels.
They were shocked by their findings, though, as they were in direct opposition to their theory.
They used rats as their test subjects and discovered that when the rodents were given nicotine, they consumed more alcohol.
However, it flatlined rather than raising their dopamine levels.
They came to the conclusion that consuming beer and cigarettes together will reduce your happiness.
The cycle begins when a person drinks because the alcohol triggers pleasant memories of smoking cigarettes and makes you crave some nicotine.
However, your dopamine levels fall after a few drinks while smoking.
The cycle then repeats itself as you feel the want to consume more alcohol to elevate dopamine levels that bring about bliss.
UK’s First Alcohol-Free Pub Receives Incredible Reviews From Beer Fanatics
Would you visit this alcohol free pub?
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Step inside Dry Dock in Weymouth, and you’ll be greeted with the lively atmosphere of a traditional pub, complete with a dartboard, pool table, and a jukebox. But there’s one key difference – this pub doesn’t serve alcohol. Instead, it’s a haven for those seeking a booze-free, fun-filled evening.
The brainchild of Sam Watson, a recovering alcoholic who struggled to find a nighttime spot that didn’t involve alcohol, Dry Dock is more than just a pub. It’s a lifeline for the community, offering a warm and inviting space where people can gather, socialize, and enjoy themselves without the pressure to drink.
Since its grand opening just last month, Dry Dock has become the talk of the town. Mr. Watson can’t contain his excitement, describing the support from the community as nothing short of “phenomenal and amazing.” And he’s absolutely right!
Dry Dock, ingeniously set up in a former optician’s office, operates as a community interest company. Its mission? To extend a helping hand to those grappling with loneliness, addiction, and mental health challenges. It’s not just a pub; it’s a lifeline.
“We are really making a go of it,” Mr. Watson beams, “We’ve put together a really positive plan of events over the next few weeks running up to Christmas, so that we can hopefully keep building that momentum moving forward.”
And the patrons couldn’t agree more. Denise, one of the happy customers, shares her thoughts: “There is still that expectation that when you are sitting in a bar you should be drinking alcohol, when the reality is a lot of people can’t drink or don’t want to. So it’s really nice to come here and not have that unnecessary pressure.”
Dry Dock is more than a pub; it’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and a commitment to making everyone feel welcome. So, if you’re looking for a great time without the hangover, Dry Dock is the place to be. Cheers to a phenomenal Dry Dock experience!
Hear all about the alcohol free pub below:
Kim Kardashian’s 5 Very Strict Rules For Guests In Her Home
Would you take a visit to the Kardashian home?
Welcome to the fabulous world of Kim Kardashian, the reality TV sensation turned mega-rich businesswoman! Kim lives in a jaw-dropping, all-white mansion nestled in the posh Hidden Hills of Los Angeles. But hold your horses, because if you ever score an invite to her palace, you better follow a set of house rules that would make even the most glamorous guests do a double-take.
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First things first, you need to understand that Kim K is not your average homeowner. With a net worth soaring at a staggering $1.7 billion, she knows a thing or two about investing in luxury real estate. In 2014, she and her then-husband, rapper Kanye West, dropped a cool $20 million on their LA pad. Fast forward, and that investment has skyrocketed to $60 million!
Now, let’s step inside her pristine palace, where “minimal” is the name of the game. Kim wants her sanctuary to be an oasis of calm in a chaotic world. It’s so white, you’ll feel like you’re in a cloud. The queen of reality TV told Vogue that she craves tranquility when she returns home. So, expect a calming experience.
But here’s the fun part – the house rules!
Rule number one: Don’t you dare get that white furniture dirty! Kim’s “favorite room in the house” is an all-white living room, adorned with a colossal circular sofa and over 20 cushions. If you thought spilling a drink at a friend’s house was bad, imagine spilling it here!
Rule number two: No photos allowed inside the house. Not even the Keeping Up With the Kardashians camera crew could break this rule. Kim knows that some moments are just too precious to be shared with the world.
Rule number three: Phones are a no-no at the dinner table. Kim’s all about family time, and she’s not afraid to take your phone hostage until the morning. She even does it to her own kids, but hey, it’s all about teaching priorities, right?
Rule number four: You’ll have to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) before you even think about talking about what happens in her mansion. What happens in Kim’s house stays in Kim’s house!
Rule number five: Keep those flashy jewels hidden. After a terrifying robbery in 2016, Kim’s not taking any chances. No showing off expensive bling here!
So there you have it, folks. Kim Kardashian’s house, where luxury meets rules and tranquility. If you ever get the golden ticket to visit, just remember to keep it clean, keep it quiet, and keep those phones away from the dinner table. Welcome to the high life!
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Golden Arches Have Gone GOTHIC
In a world where innovation knows no bounds, prepare to be captivated by the dark and delicious allure of the AI-generated Gothic McDonald’s.
This culinary masterpiece seamlessly blends the enigmatic charm of Gothic architecture with the irresistible flavors of everyone’s favorite fast-food giant. It’s a spectacle that defies conventions and tantalizes taste buds in the most unexpected way.
Imagine strolling down a cobblestone street, shrouded in a thick veil of fog, and suddenly, emerging from the mist, you encounter a towering edifice of Gothic grandeur. A structure so intricate and awe-inspiring that it could have been plucked from the pages of a Victorian novel. But this is no ordinary cathedral or castle; this is the AI-generated Gothic McDonald’s.
Every detail of this eerie yet enchanting eatery exudes an aura of mystery. The blackened stone façade is adorned with intricate carvings, reminiscent of gargoyles and grotesques that seem to come to life under the pale moonlight. Towering spires and turrets pierce the night sky, casting eerie shadows that dance to the rhythm of the wind.
Once you step inside, prepare to have your senses dazzled and your taste buds bewitched. The interior is a symphony of dimly lit candelabras, velvet draperies, and antique mirrors that seem to harbor secrets of their own. The menu, an ingenious fusion of the traditional and the extraordinary, offers a range of delectable delights like the “Vampire’s Delight Burger” and the “Gothic Garden Salad.”
What makes this Gothic McDonald’s truly exceptional is the AI mastermind orchestrating its every detail. Using a combination of deep learning algorithms and creative neural networks, the AI has ingeniously married the dark romanticism of Gothic architecture with the familiar comforts of McDonald’s cuisine.
As you sink your teeth into the “Midnight McFlurry,” you’ll discover a swirl of flavors and textures that ignite your senses. The “Eternal Fries” arrive hot and crisp, sprinkled with a secret blend of spices that you won’t find in any other fast-food joint. And for dessert, don’t miss the “Cursed Apple Pie,” a bewitching twist on the classic that promises a surprise with every bite.
The AI-generated Gothic McDonald’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a world of whimsy, wonder, and unexpected delights. Whether you’re savoring the tantalizing dishes, exploring the mesmerizing architecture, or simply reveling in the unique atmosphere, this culinary creation is a testament to the boundless possibilities of AI-driven creativity.
As the Gothic McDonald’s continues to enthrall diners from all corners of the globe, it’s a testament to the endless potential of AI to blend the past with the present, the mysterious with the familiar, and the enchanting with the everyday. So, if you find yourself in search of an otherworldly dining experience, venture into the realm of the AI-generated Gothic McDonald’s, where every bite is a journey into the unknown, and every visit promises a dash of dark enchantment.
