The Hidden Dangers of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs—and God’s Grace to Overcome

Some substances are legal, some are social, and some are sold as “recreational” — but all can steal health, clarity, joy, and years from life. As a physician and follower of Christ, I want to speak plainly about the harms, the science behind them, and the grace that helps us take honest, practical steps toward freedom.

Tobacco — the avoidable killer

Tobacco (smoked, chewed, or vaped) remains one of the top preventable causes of death worldwide. Most tobacco-related deaths are caused by cancer, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease, and secondhand smoke harms children and infants. Globally, millions die every year from tobacco exposure.

Nicotine is highly addictive. It changes brain chemistry, stimulates dopamine reward pathways, and builds tolerance — which is why even “social” use becomes hard to stop.

Key harms

• Lung cancer, throat cancer and many other cancers

• COPD, worsening asthma and respiratory infections

• Heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation

• Delayed wound healing, dental disease, and immune weakening

• Harm to infants from secondhand and thirdhand smoke (particles on clothing/furnishings).

  
  

Good news!

Quitting helps at any age. Improvements begin quickly — heart rate and blood pressure fall within minutes to hours; lung function and circulation improve in weeks to months; and long-term risks for heart disease and some cancers fall over years. The sooner you quit, the more you’ll gain.

Practical help

• Consider evidence-based aids: nicotine replacement (patches/gum/lozenges), and prescription meds (varenicline, bupropion). These significantly increase quit success when combined with counseling.

• Use behavioral support (counseling, quit-lines, apps) — multiple attempts increase success.

• Protect children: smoke-free homes and clothes change are essential, because thirdhand smoke can still expose infants.

Alcohol — socially accepted, but risky in excess

Alcohol is legal and widely used — yet misuse causes major harm. Heavy or frequent drinking increases risks of liver disease (including fatty liver and cirrhosis), high blood pressure, certain cancers, mental-health problems, poor sleep, accidents, and relationship breakdown. The WHO and national agencies list alcohol as a leading cause of disability and premature death in young adults.

What’s one “drink”? 

The CDC defines a standard drink in the U.S. as 14 grams (0.6 oz) of pure alcohol — roughly 12 oz beer (5% ABV), 5 oz wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz spirits (40% ABV). Keep portion sizes in mind — a “glass” poured at home is often larger.

Safer limits (not risk-free)

If you drink: limit to 1 drink/day for women and 2 for men, or follow weekly guidance (e.g., ≤7/week women, ≤14/week men in some guidelines). Avoid binge drinking (5+ drinks in one sitting) — it raises immediate risks.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) — signs to watch for:

• Drinking more or longer than intended, failed attempts to cut down

• Cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms (tremor, sweating, insomnia)

• Continuing despite health, relationship, or legal problems

  
  

  If AUD is suspected, medical help is important — withdrawal can be dangerous and sometimes requires supervised detox. Treatment may include counseling, support groups (AA, SMART Recovery), and medications (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram) to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

Recreational drugs (including marijuana) — short-term thrill, long-term cost

All illicit and many misused prescription drugs can harm brain chemistry, mood, cognition, and life stability. Marijuana (cannabis) is often regarded as “safe,” but research shows risks — especially for adolescents and heavy users — including higher rates of anxiety, worsening sleep, and, in some vulnerable users, an increased risk of psychosis or long-term cognitive effects.

Other drugs (cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, opioids, synthetic “designer” drugs) carry risks of addiction, overdose, organ damage, psychosis, and death.

Opioids, in particular, have driven spikes in overdose deaths, though some recent large-scale efforts (naloxone availability, expanded treatment) are reducing fatalities in parts of the world. Even occasional use of potent or unregulated substances can have devastating, unpredictable consequences.

Why cravings and “use” feel so compelling (brief science)

Across tobacco, alcohol, and many drugs, common mechanisms drive continued use:

• Dopamine reward loops: substances activate the brain’s reward pathway, encouraging repeat use.

• Tolerance: over time you need more to achieve the same effect.

• Conditioning & context: habits, emotional triggers, and social cues keep the cycle going.

• Withdrawal: stopping can cause physical and psychological distress that pushes people back to the substance.

Practical steps: how to get help

1. Be honest with a clinician. Screening is the first step — the earlier, the better. Substance use is a medical condition, not a moral failure. Treatment options vary (brief counseling, medication-assisted treatment, residential rehab) and are often combined for best results.

2. Use evidence-based aids: nicotine replacement, varenicline, bupropion for smoking; naltrexone/acamprosate/disulfiram for alcohol; buprenorphine/methadone/naltrexone for opioid use disorder. Medication plus therapy works best.

3. Find support now: In the U.S., call or text 988 for crisis help (mental health, substance use). Use SAMHSA’s treatment locator or national helplines (1-800-662-HELP in the U.S.) to find treatment. If you’re outside the U.S., contact local health services or your physician for guidance.

4. Practical harm-reduction: remove substances from the home, avoid high-risk situations, get medical supervision for withdrawal when needed, and involve trusted friends or family.

5. Spiritual & community care: connect with a pastor, trusted church community, or faith-based recovery group (Celebrate Recovery and others are available in many places).

Biblical truths and hope for change

You are not a hopeless case. God’s grace meets us in our weakness and empowers change.

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.” — Titus 2:11–12.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will provide a way out.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Grace does not excuse unhealthy choices; it empowers obedience. Healing typically occurs through a combination of genuine dependence on God, consistent practical steps, and appropriate medical care.

A simple faith-forward plan

• Start with honesty & prayer. Tell God and a trusted person about the struggle. Ask for grace from God and help from a friend.

• Make one short practical goal this week (call a quit-line, remove alcohol from the home, schedule a medical consult).

• Use evidence-based tools (meds + counseling) — don’t try to do this alone.

• Join a recovery community (medical or faith-based). Community multiplies resilience.

• Celebrate small wins and rely on grace when you slip — recovery is usually a process, not a single event.

When to get urgent help

If someone is in withdrawal and showing severe symptoms (seizures, severe tremors, hallucinations), or is suicidal, seek emergency medical care immediately or call emergency/crisis services (in the U.S., 988). Withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines can be life-threatening and often needs medical supervision.

Final Thoughts

My stance is to avoid these substances ALL the time because the lure of addiction is always present, even with limited use. Grace is available to limit and quit excessive use of these substances. The abundance of God’s grace is enough to break the hold of anything off us.

You only need to lean on Him.

It is a journey for those walking through recovery AND those walking WITH them.

Perfection is not the goal: Freedom is!

I love you,

Oyin.