Physical Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use

Physical Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use Paul R. Krech & Jessie Garcia Counseling & Consultation, Division of Student Affairs Arizona State University

Substance abuse and dependence

Classes • Opioids (including such prescription pain killers as morphine and Demerol, as well as illegal substances such as heroin) • Benzodiazepines (including prescription drugs used for treating anxiety, such as valium) • Sedatives or "downers" (including prescription barbiturate drugs commonly referred to as tranquilizers)

Stimulants or "speed" (including prescription amphetamine drugs used as weight loss drugs and in the treatment of attention deficit disorder) • Cannabinoid drugs obtained from the hemp plant (including marijuana ["pot"] and hashish) • Cocaine-based drugs • Hallucinogenic or "psychedelic" drugs (including LSD, PCP or angel dust, and other PCP-type drugs)

Inhalants (including gaseous drugs used in the medical practice of anesthesia, as well as such common substances as paint thinner, gasoline, glue) • Alcoholic drinks become a dependence problem when continual and increased amounts are consumed and alcoholism results.

Problem drinking • Research has shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can have health benefits. For men over 40, and women after the menopause, having one or two small drinks a day can help prevent coronary heart disease. • However, it is estimated that a quarter of men and one in six women drink enough to put their health at risk.

How much is too much? • AMA guidelines state that men should drink no more than three to four units per day and women no more than two to three units per day. • However, some medical experts believe these levels are too high, and recommend no more than three units a day for men and two a day for women. Either way, you should not "save up" the units over the week and use them to binge at the weekend.

Strength and units • The strength of an alcoholic drink is indicated by the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). • A unit is 8 grams of pure alcohol, regardless of the amount of liquid it’s contained in. • The number of units in one litre of any drink is equal to the ABV. So a 500ml can of 8% ABV lager contains 4 units.

One unit is equal to: • about half a pint (300ml) of ordinary-strength lager, beer or cider, • a 25ml (1 fl. oz.) measure of spirit or a small glass of fortified wine, such as sherry or port (17.5% ABV), • a small glass (125 ml) (5 fl. oz.) of 8% ABV wine.

Units for women • The reason that the limits for women are less than for men is because the body composition of women has less water than men. • Therefore, even if a man and woman are of similar size and weight, the woman will tend to get drunk faster. Women can also develop liver disease at lower levels of drinking than men.

Alcohol dependence • 3 or more of the following symptoms: • a strong urge to drink, • difficulty controlling drinking, • physical withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, agitation and nausea when they try to reduce drinking, • a growing tolerance to alcohol (needing larger quantities to get the same effect), • gradual neglect of other activities, • persistent drinking even though it is obviously causing harm.

Short-term effects • Alcohol suppresses the part of the brain that controls judgment, resulting in a loss of inhibitions. • It also affects physical co-ordination, causing blurred vision, slurred speech and loss of balance. • Drinking a very large amount at one time (binge drinking) can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and even death.

Vomiting while unconscious can lead to death by asphyxiation (suffocation). • Alcohol is implicated in a large proportion of fatal road accidents, assaults and incidents of domestic violence.

Long-term effects • Alcohol can be a dangerous drug. • Drinking too much too often will cause physical damage, increase the risk of getting some diseases, and make other diseases worse.

Excessive drinking over time is associated with: • loss of brain cells, • liver failure, • irritated stomach lining and bleeding from stomach ulcers, • high blood pressure (which can lead to stroke), • certain types of cancer, • nerve damage, • heart failure, • epilepsy.

Excessive drinking has also been linked to: • vitamin deficiency, • obesity, • sexual problems, • infertility, • muscle disease, • skin problems, • inflammation of the pancreas.

Drinking over-time, affects every system in the body.

What you can do to be SAFE • Educate yourself (Be “in the know”) • Think “morning” • Make informed choices • Seek support • If you need it, get help • Carry the message • Be a healthy peer model

Physical Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use