What is the meaning of substance abuse?
Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. “Substances” can include alcohol and other drugs (illegal or not) as well as some substances that are not drugs at all.
What is the types of drug abuse?
Generally speaking, drugs of abuse fall into one of three categories: stimulants, narcotics, and sedatives. The federal government tightly regulates the prescribing criteria for each class of medication, whether it is an analgesic pain-killer or a stimulant.
What are the effects of substance abuse on the personal health?
These health effects may occur after just one use. Longer-term effects can include heart or lung disease, cancer, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and others. Long-term drug use can also lead to addiction. Drug addiction is a brain disorder.
How does substance abuse affect the society?
Substance abuse affects and costs the individual, the family, and the community in significant, measurable ways including loss of productivity and unemployability; impairment in physical and mental health; reduced quality of life; increased crime; increased violence; abuse and neglect of children; dependence on non- …
What are consequences of drug trafficking?
Consequences include retardation of fetal growth, fetal alcohol syndrome, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and neonatal neurobehavioral affects. Violence and crime are linked to illicit drug abuse through the often violent nature of drug sales and distribution.
How does alcoholism affect the economy?
The economic consequences of alcohol consumption can be severe, particularly for the poor. Apart from money spent on drinks, heavy drinkers may suffer other economic problems such as lower wages and lost employment opportunities, increased medical and legal expenses, and decreased eligibility for loans.
How does alcohol affect you emotionally?
The Emotional Effects of Alcohol GABA can create feelings of relaxation and happiness. However, drinking too much can lead to mood, personality, and behavioral changes. Alcohol can also intensify feelings of depression and anger.
How does alcoholism affect the society?
The use of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of injuries and accidents. Even a single episode of excessive drinking can lead to a negative outcome. Alcoholism and chronic use of alcohol are associated with numerous medical, psychiatric, social, and family problems.
What are the legal consequences of drinking alcohol?
Driving while under the influence of alcohol can lead to legal consequences in the form of a DUI, fines, court-ordered treatment, jail time, job loss and more. One of the greatest hazards of drinking is that one’s intention, such as simply having a good time, can get lost once the intoxicating effects take hold.
What are three short term effects of alcohol?
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
- Slurred speech.
- Drowsiness.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Upset stomach.
- Headaches.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Distorted vision and hearing.
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic alcoholism?
Signs and symptoms include sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, problems sleeping, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and occasionally seizures. Symptoms can be severe enough to impair your ability to function at work or in social situations.
Does drinking really kill brain cells?
Alcohol doesn’t kill brain cells, but it does have both short- and long-term effects on your brain, even in moderate amounts. Going out for happy hour a few nights a month likely won’t cause any long-term damage.
Is alcohol related memory loss reversible?
If the symptoms of memory loss due to alcohol abuse are recognized early enough, it is possible to reverse the effects. Lost memories will never return, but the ability to form new memories can be restored.