Smoking and intoxication: From control to the buzz

Abstract

Nicotine is often characterised as non-intoxicating, at least if intoxication is understood in terms of the disinhibition and impaired control associated with being drunk. However, a broader understanding of intoxication incorporates more subtle and transient changes in consciousness. This chapter examines nicotine consumption via this inclusive category of intoxication, highlighting its capacity to enable self-control, produce spiritual experience and moments of pleasure. The versatility of nicotine is emphasised. Distinct nicotine-related social practices based on different combinations of materiality, meanings and know-how emerge and flourish in different locations. The chapter aims to contribute to a de-pathologised account of intoxication, which can attend to small shifts in mood and perception. It also challenges the idea that pharmacology determines the effects and experiences of both intoxication and the drug.