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

[Vyrerus]

I just don't get how drinking a toxin helps in dealing with stress. Humans are weird creatures indeed. *shrugs*
Best to leave it at that.

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.

[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.

[Vyrerus]

I am aware of the chemical interactions but that "high" fades after a few hours

As far as drinking goes, alcohol's effect on the body is a depressant after too much of it. The key to pure enjoyment, imo, is to stop before you start feeling down and drink some water. I'm sure it differs person to person, but as long as I don't start drinking while in a sour mood, then here's no downside except for the excess calories that I gotta try to burn off to stay somewhat fit. I don't drink on work days or nights, and try to limit it to special occasion. I still drink more than I should, but I can certainly do without. I think most people accept the downsides with the attitude of, "Whatever, I may hate myself in the morning, but it's not that bad." My greatest vices are probably caffeine and porn.

As far as smoking goes... I honestly wouldn't know. I've only experienced nicotine high a few times, and it was great, but not enough to offset the terrible taste of cigarettes. Cigars slightly more bearable, but meh. Never had the inclination to try an old timey pipe, but I hear it's the best. I never got addicted, and I don't really have the budget to smoke anyway. Just in some very high stress times, I bummed a few smokes from a friend, and chilled out enough feeling happy from it and their company to go to sleep later.

My arguments in his thread are pretty much just in agreement with wanting to have the option for expression.