People in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) may quit drinking but continue to smoke cigarettes for several reasons:
Cross-Addiction: Cross-addiction occurs when a person replaces one addiction with another. It's not uncommon for individuals in recovery from alcohol addiction to turn to other substances or behaviors, such as smoking, to cope with cravings or the void left by alcohol. While quitting alcohol is a significant accomplishment, it doesn't necessarily address other addictive behaviors.
Social Habit: Smoking is often deeply ingrained as a social habit, and individuals in recovery may continue to smoke to maintain a sense of camaraderie with others or to fill the void of socializing without alcohol.
Coping Mechanism: Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is a stimulant that can provide temporary stress relief or relaxation for some individuals. People in recovery may continue to smoke as a way to cope with stress or anxiety, especially during the early stages of sobriety when they are adjusting to life without alcohol.
Addiction Severity: For some individuals, alcohol addiction may be more severe than their addiction to cigarettes. They may prioritize addressing their alcohol use first while dealing with smoking later, especially if they feel they can manage the impact of smoking on their health more effectively.
Lack of Awareness: Some individuals may not fully recognize or accept the potential harm of smoking, or they may not be ready to address their smoking habit at the same time as their alcohol use.
Focusing on Priorities: The initial focus in recovery is often on addressing the most life-threatening or damaging addiction, which, in many cases, is alcohol. After establishing sobriety from alcohol, some individuals may turn their attention to quitting smoking.
It's important to note that smoking is still a significant health risk and can have severe long-term consequences. For individuals in recovery who smoke, addressing their smoking habit may be beneficial for their overall well-being and health. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but various resources and support groups are available to help individuals quit and maintain their sobriety and overall health.