What happens when a person drinks alcohol?

In large quantities, alcohol deprives the body of nutrients, and over a long period of time, alcohol causes damage to body organs and serious health problems.

After a drink or two, most people experience a feeling of well-being that is often accompanied by drowsiness, dizziness and some loss of coordination. Even after one or two drinks, reaction time slows, and ability to make decisions is affected.

After more than a drink or two, alcohol affects speech, balance and vision. Binge drinking, or drinking too much alcohol in a short time, can lead to errors of judgment, impulsive behaviour and accidents related to loss of physical control. Severe intoxication can cause a person to lose consciousness. Even after a person has become unconscious, the stomach lining continues to absorb alcohol, and blood-alcohol levels can be lethal.

Drinking alcohol with other drugs is extremely dangerous because the effects of the drug are modified. Mixing alcohol and medication, including over-the-counter drugs, can lead to overdose.

What are the long-term effects of drinking alcohol?

Alcohol affects many organs in the body. Long-term heavy drinking puts the user at risk of alcohol-related liver disease, heart disease, cancer, pancreatitis. Alcohol can also cause stomach ulcers and can lead to problems with sexual functioning.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol?

A person who stops drinking alcohol after a long period of excessive consumption can experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms vary from person to person.

 

Psychological symptoms can include insomnia, bad dreams, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, rapid mood changes, depression and hallucinations.

 

Physical symptoms can include headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, tremors, fever and convulsions.

What should I do if I suspect a close friend has a drug or alcohol problem?

Speaking to someone about their alcohol or drug use is a very difficult thing to do. First, try to stay calm and maintain communication with your friend. You could try to discuss the changes you notice in your friend’s behaviour and explain your concerns, but keep in mind, your friend might not be open to hearing your concerns. 

 

It is important to be patient and non-judgemental with your friend because they are likely going through a painful time. If there seem to be several related problems, it might be preferable to consult a specialist such as an addictions counsellor, a social worker, a doctor, or an intervention strategist.

 

Ultimately, your friend using drugs or alcohol may not want your help. It is important to keep in mind that you can only do so much for your friend before it becomes his or her decision to access resources. Being there to support your friend if he or she asks for it is a great step.

What are the effects of marijuana on my health?

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in Canada. In 2005, about 14% of Canadians 15 years and older said they had consumed some. It is a psychotropic substance (that acts on our mental activities) that comes from the hemp plant or Cannabis sativa. It is known by several names: grass, pot, cannabis, hash, Mary Jane, etc. The euphoric state that marijuana induces is caused by a chemical substance, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Possession, cultivation and trafficking are punishable by fines, prison terms and a criminal record.

The effects of marijuana depend on the user, where it was grown and the quantity used.

Long-term over-consumption of marijuana can have serious side effects. Its smoke contains chemicals that damage the lungs and can cause chronic coughing, pulmonary infections and sometimes cancer. People who smoke marijuana and tobacco can develop cancer in the lungs, throat and head at a much earlier age than people who only smoke tobacco.

What are the effects of crack on my health?

Crack cocaine causes increases in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Because it affects the heart and breathing, crack use can lead to respiratory failure, heart attack, stroke or seizure. Crack use is often accompanied by loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

Using crack in large amounts can cause the user to become paranoid, or prone to anger and aggression. Some will hallucinate or become delirious while using crack.

Crack interferes with the part of the brain that produces dopamine and causes the body's pleasure response. Crack causes damage to brain cells and their destruction can be permanent.

Which drugs do illicit-drug users use?

The various illicit drugs keep increasing. They are known by many names: cannabis, hallucinogenics, stimulants, solvents, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy, barbiturates, cocaine, glue, PCP, tranquilizers, crack, heroin and ice (crystal meth).

What about the abusive use of prescription drugs?

Like illicit drug abuse, the abuse of prescription drugs can cause serious health problems. The risk is higher when prescription drugs like opioids are taken with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, or central nervous system (CNS) depressants.

 

Abusing depressants can cause a person's heart rate and breathing to slow to the point where the heart can stop beating. Abusing a stimulant may cause a dangerously high body temperature or irregular heartbeat, and can lead to heart failure or seizure.

 

In terms of brain functions, the link between the prescribed substance and the feeling of well-being can become so strong that a person can develop a psychological or physical dependence on the substance and become unable to function in daily life without it.