WHAT DRUG IS THAT? - Alcohol

ALCOHOL IS A DEPRESSANT DRUG. IT SLOWS DOWN THE MESSAGES TRAVELLING BETWEEN THE BRAIN AND THE BODY.

Alcoholism can also be in the form of binge drinking. This is a manner of drinking where the person doesn’t drink daily, but only on occasions. Sometimes these occasions are on weekends only or during holidays, special celebrations, etc. A binge occurs when a person drinks 5 or more drinks per ‘sitting’ or cannot stop, even when he tries to limit or control himself.

Forms of alcohol: beers, ciders, wines, shooters, cocktails, home brew concoctions, spirits, etc.

PARAPHERNALIA Cooldrink bottles, tot-packs, containers smelling of alcohol, smell of alcohol on the breath, slurred speech, problems with co-ordination etc.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL There is no safe level of alcohol use. Alcohol affects everyone differently. The following effects may be experienced: Feeling relaxed, trouble concentrating, slower reflexes, poor balance, increased confidence, red eyes, blurred vision, frequent urination, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, inappropriate behaviour, aggression / violence, emotional outbursts, anxiety, cravings, passing out, etc.

WITHDRAWAL Symptoms usually start 4 to 12 hours after the last drink and can last for about 4 to 5 days. These symptoms can include: Sweating, tremors, nausea, anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, seizures / fits, delusions & hallucinations, depression, headache, eye sensitivity, tired / lazy, etc.

LONG TERM EFFECTS High blood pressure, stroke, heart related diseases, liver disease, nerve damage, sexual problems, permanent damage to the brain, malnutrition, ulcers, gastritis, cancer of the mouth and throat, alcohol poisoning, diabetes, mental problems, insomnia, etc.