Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and Drugs

By: Paul Anthony I. Baylosis M.D

Alcohol and Drugs

defined as patterns of drinking or using drugs (prescription and illicit) that result in harm to a persons health, well-being, relationships, and productivityAlcohol and Drugs

A person who abuses drugs and alcohol is not necessarily an addictHowever, abuse of these substances is a risk factor for developing an addiction because continuous abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependenceAlcohol and DrugsBinge drinking (consuming five or more standard drinks in one session) more than two times is considered alcohol misuseUsing prescription medication for non-medical purposes is classified asprescription drug abuse.Alcohol and DrugsApproximately 75 percent of people who use illicit drugs are employed, leading to an increased risk for having an accident on the job.Men are more likely to binge drink than women. The average is 12.7 episodes of binge drinking per year for men vs. 2.7 episodes per year for women.Alcohol and Drugsalcohol and drug abuse can lead to short-term and long-term health complications. Men who drink have an increased risk of developing cancer in the mouth, esophagus, liver, and colonAlcohol and DrugsBoth men and women may develop neurological problems including dementia, neuropathy, and stroke from chronic alcohol abuse.

Alcohol and DrugsPsychiatric problems like depression and anxiety are associated with long-term abuse of alcoholAlcohol and DrugsThere are no safe levels of alcohol consumption for pregnant women, and alcohol can cause the most harm when consumed during the first trimesterAlcohol and DrugsDrinking while pregnant can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and lead to the development of physical and neurological birth defects in babies

Alcohol and DrugsCertain drugs taken during pregnancy can cause the child to be born with a physical dependence on them and/or develop withdrawal symptoms.The most common health complication associated with alcohol abuse is liver damage. Chronic over consumption of alcohol can lead to the development of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Alcohol and DrugsStress is a major factor in the consumption of drugs and alcohol. People use them to reduce anxiety, regulate emotions, and relieve emotional pain.

Alcohol and DrugsAlmost 50 percent of people who use drugs and alcohol have a mental health disorder. Oftentimes, substance abuse is an attempt to self-medicate.

Treatment and PreventionThe goal of addiction recovery programs for drugs, alcohol andbehavioral addictionsshould be a general change in addictive behaviors

Treatment and PreventionFor drugs and alcohol use, simply ridding the body of the addictive substance through detoxification isn't enough to prevent a relapse.Treatment and Prevention For successful long-term treatment, the program needs to address the underlying reasons for the addictive behavior in the patient.

Treatment and Prevention

Rapid detoxification is a quick method of ridding the system of many highly addictive substancesThe End