Two Addictions in One-
Such a Deal!
Thanks to JoinTogether.org, came across this bit of info:

German Company Launches Nicotine Beer - 7/1/2005

NicoShot beer contains 3 milligrams of nicotine alkaloids and is being billed as "the world's first smoking-cessation beer."

Manufacturer Nautilus GmbH Laboratoriumsbedarf said NicoShot is brewed like regular beer, with a tobacco-leaf extract added at the end of the brewing process. The firm is strongly playing up the beer's nicotine content to smokers.

"NicoShot is cigarette satisfaction in a beer without the smoke," according to a company press release. "For most smokers, three cans of NicoShot is comparable to an entire pack of conventional cigarettes. Best of all, there's none of the tar or carbon monoxide the comes from burning tobacco. Similar to nicotine gum, NicoShot is considered nicotine replacement therapy that provides a steady, controlled release of nicotine. It can be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms at the beginning of quitting, to relieve urges from cigarette smoke while quitting, or to avoid relapse months after quitting when a new stress or situation may trigger a strong urge to smoke."

Smokers can choose to drink the beer when they get a craving for a smoke while out at a bar, without having to go outside for a cigarette. "NicoShot is a smoking-cessation brew designed to satisfy the nicotine urge whenever you want a cigarette, but can't smoke -- providing a realistic way to quit smoking," said Richard H. Davis, president of Beverage Marketing USA, Inc.

Let me quote that last bit one more time for good measure:

"NicoShot is a smoking-cessation brew designed to satisfy the nicotine urge whenever you want a cigarette, but can't smoke -- providing a realistic way to quit smoking,"

Without getting too technical in the addiction theory field, let me just say: "Have you ever heard of cross-addictions? Addicts of all kinds- nicotine, sugar, alcohol, gambling, etc. have this incredible ability to take one addiction and substitute it for another. Or- in an even more common scenario, use one addiction to feed the other. I can just hear it now:

• I had to have that whole case, dear, I'm trying to quit smoking.
• Would you rather have me smoking?
• Hey, it's cheaper this way!

Oh well! Why should I complain. It's job security for alcohol and drug counselors.