Why is it considered okay for people in Alcoholics Anonymous to smoke cigarettes while smoking marijuana isn’t considered a “sober” alternative?
People generally start to become alcoholics because alcohol changes their mental state. They start to drink it to get "high" (we use the word 'drunk' in this case, but it's still an altered state of mind) and over time it creates a mental and physical dependency. Tobacco also creates a physical a…
The Short Answer
People generally start to become alcoholics because alcohol changes their mental state. They start to drink it to get "high" (we use the word 'drunk' in this case, but it's still an altered state of mind) and over time it creates a mental and physical dependency. Tobacco also creates a physical addiction but the mental state impacts aren't really that great. You don't smoke cigs to "get high", you do it as a habit and to reduce your body's cravings for nicotene. And unless the cravings are making you really really cranky you generally stay rational when you use it. However, marijuana does produce a profoundly altered state of mind. Same for prescription painkillers, cocaine, and other drugs that are specifically taken to produce a 'high'. If you use chemicals that push you out of your normal rational state of mind, you are not staying sober. AA can accept cigarettes because they don't do this, but it won't accept marijuana because it does.
Analysis
Key Concepts: State, mental, mind
This explanation focuses on state, mental, mind and spans 163 words across 9 sentences. At 126% above the average History explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “People generally start to become alcoholics because alcohol changes their mental state.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 9 connected points.
How This Compares in History
Ranked #15 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 4%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why it considered okay for people in alcoholics anonymous to smoke cigarettes while smoking marijuana isn't considered a "sober" alternative?
People generally start to become alcoholics because alcohol changes their mental state. They start to drink it to get "high" (we use the word 'drunk' in this case, but it's still an altered state of mind) and over time it creates a mental and…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 163 words, ranked #15 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are state, mental, mind.
What approach does this answer take to explain it considered okay for people in alcoholics anonymous to smo?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 163 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.