Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Drugs
In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace this handout has been compiled by the Worcester Consortium for Higher Education and the consortium Colleges/Universities to give you information about the health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs.
Health Risks:
There are a variety of health risks associated with alcohol and other drug use. Below is a general description of the dangers associated with drug use.
Depressants
Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor): Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, overdose potential when mixed with other depressants or by itself, heart, liver and brain damage, birth defects if used during pregnancy. Death can occur as a result of accidents, overdose or the effects of long-term abuse.
Narcotics (heroin, junk, dope, black tar, China white, Demerol, Dilaudid, morphine, codeine): Addiction, lethargy, weight loss, contamination from unsterile needles (hepatitis, AIDS), accidental overdose.
Barbiturates (sedatives, tranquilizers): Possible overdose, especially in combination with alcohol, muscle rigidity, addiction, withdrawal and overdose require medical treatment, increased level of anxiety after drug wears off. Death can result from overdose.
Stimulants
Cocaine (Coke, rock crack, base): Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, restlessness, and irritability. Death from heart failure can occur for first time users.
Amphetamines (speed, uppers, crank, bam, black beauties, crystal, dexies): Fatigue leading to exhaustion, addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, possible hallucinations, weight loss.
Hallucinogens
Acid (PCP, MCMA ecstasy, psilocybin, mushrooms, peyote): Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, altered perception of time and place, vomiting, nausea, flashbacks, violent behavior (PCP), "bad trips", psychotic reaction.
Marijuana (Pot, dope, grass, weed, herb, hash, joint): Panic reaction, impaired short term memory, addiction, lung disease, interference with body’s immune response to various infections and diseases, distorts perception, hampers judgment, diminishes motor skills, possible birth defects if used while pregnant, loss of ambition and diminished ability to carry out long term goals.
All of the above if used during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Alcohol use during pregnancy is the third leading cause of mental retardation in the U.S.
These are seven possible symptoms of someone who is involved in drugs:
- Change in school or work attendance or performance.
- Alteration of personal appearance.
- Mood swings or attitude changes.
- Withdrawal from responsibilities/family contacts.
- Association with drug-abusing peers.
- Unusual pattern of behavior.
- Defensive attitude concerning drugs.