E-cigarettes ‘may lead to more alcohol’

USING e-cigarettes may make people drink more – extinguishing any benefits of the ‘healthy alternative’ to smoking, according to new research.

A man smokes an e-cigarette. Picture: PA

People who use them are more likely to have an alcohol problem, a knock-on effect crucial when evaluating their safety, say scientists.

Awareness of the link with booze needs to be raised after a study found e-cig users were significantly more likely to drink to excess.

Psychologist Alexandra Hershberger, of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, said: “If you quit smoking cold turkey, it affects other behaviours associated with smoking.”