more-lifestyleUpdated: Jun 22, 2020 11:59 ISTIn a recent study, researchers discovered a causal link between the prolonged experience of loneliness and smoking. Although numerous studies have shown there is an association, it has been difficult to disentangle whether being lonely leads to substance abuse or if substance abuse leads to loneliness. Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action of Smoking & Health (ASH), commented that “If lonely people are more likely to start smoking and find it harder to quit, they are more likely to suffer the harm caused by smoking. We, therefore, suggest further research is conducted when more is known about the genetics of alcohol dependence and loneliness,” said Dr Jorien Treur. “Lonely” people were more likely than others to be struggling to find things to help them cope and were also less likely to feel they had support networks to fall back on.

Source: Hindustan Times June 22, 2020 06:29 UTC