Understanding the Effects of Alcohol on Health and Behavior
Alcohol consumption affects the brain and body in various ways, leading to both short-term and long-term detrimental effects. From initial euphoria to later sedation and impaired decision-making, alcohol can cause serious health issues like liver damage and cardiovascular problems. Additionally, behavioral effects such as domestic violence and accidents can impact relationships and work life. It is crucial to emphasize total abstinence from alcohol and other substances for a successful recovery. Recognizing triggers and seeking support are essential in addressing alcohol-related challenges.
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Presentation Transcript
Alcohol in the Brain Alcohol upsets a delicate balance between chemical systems that stimulate and chemical systems that inhibit functions of the brain and body. It is a central nervous system depressant People develop a tolerance to it
Initial Effects of Alcohol Feelings of euphoria Talkativeness, sociability Lowered inhibitions Impact on decision making
Later Effects Sedation and drowsiness Trouble with balance Impaired peripheral vision Delayed reaction time Slurring of words Vomiting Sleeping Possible blackout Impaired Decision Making
Long-Term Effects Liver Damage Digestive system Cardiovascular system Immune system Endocrine system Nervous system
Withdrawal Symptoms Seizures Tremors Nausea Auditory or visual hallucinations Insomnia Agitation Confusion Delirium Tremens
Behavioural Effects Domestic violence and child abuse Accidents Family problems Strained relationships with colleagues Absence from or lateness to work Loss of employment Committing or being the victim of violence/crimes Driving under the influence
Alcohol and Pregnancy Babies born to mothers who drank during pregnancy may have mental retardation or other learning and behavioural problems. The most serious risk during pregnancy is foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
The Importance of Total Abstinence Abstinence from all substances that affect the brain even alcohol and marijuana greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery.
Triggers External Internal Advertisements Depression Movies Anxiety TV shows Loneliness Friends/Family who drink Stress Celebrations/holidays Anger/Guilt
Is Marijuana Harmless? Marijuana is the most widely used and most widely available illegal drug. Marijuana use affects nearly every organ system in the body. It can have a profound impact on people s education, employment, and personal life.
What Is Marijuana? From the Cannabis sativa plant THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient. The more THC in a plant, the stronger its effect Today s marijuana has 3 times as much THC as marijuana of 20 years ago, making it more potent.
Short-Term Effects While high Relaxed, euphoric feelings Increased heart rate Poor balance & coordination Slow reaction time Disorientation Panic After high fades Sleepiness Depression Distrust
Long-Term Effects Marijuana can impair learning, memory and concentration. Lower grades and poor work performance can result.
Health Risks Puff for puff, smoking marijuana is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. Marijuana is linked to head and neck cancer THC makes it harder for the body to fight infection and disease.
Marijuana and Driving Marijuana is a factor in many fatal car crashes. Driving ability is impaired for hours even after the high fades.
Marijuana and Pregnancy Using marijuana during pregnancy can cause: Low birth weight Problems with foetal brain and nerve development
Marijuana Addiction People who keep using marijuana even though it hurts their family and work may be addicted. Withdrawal can include Cravings Anxiety Anger Trouble sleeping
Marijuana and Other Drugs Marijuana use is linked with heavy drinking and use of other drugs.
Plan not to use What can people in recovery plan in order to avoid use of any substance?
Who can you contact? Police 111 A&D Helpline 0800 787 797 Mental Health Line 0800 22 33 71 A&D Service 09 470 2706 Supporting Families 0800 732 825
