Alcohol
Classification: alcohol is the most commonly-used
depressant, affecting the central nervous system by slowing down the functions of the
brain and depressing the pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, and other body
functions. Alcohol is the most abused drug in the nation.
Source: alcoholic beverages, wine,beer, and hard liquors.
Slang terms: booze, juice, sauce, brew, vino
Appearance: liquid consumed as a beverage.
Effects: a bottle of beer, a glass of wine, and a shot of whiskey all have about the
same alcohol content and potential for inebriation.
The effects of alcohol consumption are:
- greatly impaired driving ability
- reduced co-ordination and reflex action
- impaired vision and judgment
- inability to divide attention
- lowers inhibitions
- depressed genital reflexes, contrary to popular belief that alcohol enhances sexual
drive or potency
"hangovers" from over-indulgence include:
- headaches
- unsettled digestion
- nausea
- unclear thinking
- aching muscles
- dehydration
Symptoms:
- slurred speech
- bloodshot, watery eyes
- poor balance - odor on breath
- gaze nystagmus (spasmodic movement of eyes)
43 percent of all auto-crash fatalities involves a driver who has been drinking.
Dangers:
- neglect of proper diet, resulting in serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- amnesia--"blackouts" lasting from a few minutes up to days
- increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth - impotency
- physical dangers are as follows:
- ruptured veins
- heart--weakens and decreases the pumping action of the heart--leading cause of
hypertension and high blood pressure
- stomach--inflammation
- pancreas--poisonous reaction
- brain cells--permanent damage
- esophagus--development of cancer
- liver--death from cirrhosis of the liver
- contributing factor in boating and auto accidents, fire deaths, and drownings
- alcohol-related violence of child abuse, crime, and murder
- addiction
Indications of alcohol abuse:
- frequent smell of alcohol on breath or excessive use of mouthwash or mints to cover odor
- change of interests towards alcohol-oriented activities - hidden drinking or evidence of
concealed supplies
- change of drinking patterns: gulping drinks, drinking before parties, drinking in the
morning
- "blackouts"--not remembering the night before
- problems with school, employer, or employees
- substituting alcohol for food, leading to malnutrition
- interrupted or changed sleep patterns
- exaggerated reactions of
- irritability and impatience
- extreme changes of personality
Addiction: alcoholism is a progressive disease. The body
becomes increasingly dependent on the use of alcohol. This dependency can lead to
uncontrollable drinking habits that interfere with normal life patterns. The progressive
stages of alcoholism vary, but the following is a typical pattern:
- 1. Social drinking and occasional use to escape tensions and frustrations
- 2. Increased tolerance and a progressive preoccupation with alcohol--inability to stop
at one drink, drinking alone, and experiencing feelings of embarrassment and guilt
- 3. Complete change of behavior toward family
- 4. Concealment of drinking habits
- 5. Complete dependency--drinking from morning to night
Symptoms of delirium tremens (dt's), characterized by delirium, muscle tremors,
confusion, and hallucinations, can occur after several years of addiction.
Withdrawal: alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Symptoms
of withdrawal are tremors, jitters, anxiety, nausea, sweating, vomiting, cramps,
frightening hallucinations, convulsions, exhaustion, coma, and circulatory and heart
failure.
The alcoholic needs professional medical attention for withdrawal. It takes several
weeks to achieve withdrawal.
Organized therapy groups for the alcoholic encourage abstinence by giving emotional
security and support to the alcoholic.
� RCMP/GRC 2002