# Why has no one invented a good alternative to cigarettes or alcohol?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-no-one-invented-a-good-alternative-to-cigarettes-or-alcohol/961867>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 29, 2022, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-no-one-invented-a-good-alternative-to-cigarettes-or-alcohol/961867 "2022-03-29T00:11:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2022, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-no-one-invented-a-good-alternative-to-cigarettes-or-alcohol/961867/61 "2022-03-31T13:28:08Z")

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Indeed, nicotine is a stimulant. Stimulants affect the sympathetic nervous system, causing adverse effects including peripheral vasoconstriction, increased BP, and tachycardia. Developing a stimulant that does not have these effects, but still causes euphoria from the endorphin surge is a tall order. Developing one without addictive properties is an even taller order. Developing a hot fudge sundae with zero calories may be easier (but I’m crossing my fingers hoping they do!).

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