Players should be allowed to smoke in game. Show your support!

[Granyala]

They affect the chemical balance in the brain, causing immediate releases of serotonin and dopamine. Alcohol in particular also causes humans to release more Gamma Aminobutyric Acid(GABA for short), which is what causes people to lower inhibition while simultaneously causing motor function impairment/slurred speech etc.

Smoking doesn't cause serotonin release, just dopamine and adrenaline. So you get a feel good spike and become more energetic. Tobacco/Nicotine itself actually increases dopamine levels too, which is what makes it physically addictive.

I am aware of the chemical interactions but that "high" fades after a few hours and, depending on the amount you drank, you get an appropriate "low". Not sure about nicotine in that regard, iirc you just need more to achieve the same high since the brain gets used to the increased neurotransmitter levels.
Basically you pay for a brief moment of happiness with another moment of unhappiness which just adds to the stress and unhappiness you were feeling before.

But somehow people think this whole shabang is a net gain... THAT's what I do not understand.
To me it looks like a zero sum game in the best of circumstances (if you are ontop of it, don't get addicted and use it sparingly enough to avoid health issues) and a net loss in most cases when people lose control.

Meanwhile Western games do nothing but promote drugs, violence against everything that moves, sexualization, hate, abusing, bullying, alcohol - all of these things and more.

Aah so that's why the WoL basically solves every problem by engaging the games combat mechanics (a.k.a.: violence).
FF-XIV is a western game in disguise!

As for sexualization: Shisui gear would like to have a word with you.