Alcohol

Alcohol is the most abused drug in our socio-cultural environment, causing behaviors that result in the most social, and health problems (work related accidents, automobile accidents, physical and emotional abuse, disease, and associated health problems, alcoholism, etc.).

It is a central nervous system depressant that gradually numbs the functioning of the higher brain centers, producing behavioral and emotional disinhibition.

The short-term effects are:

• Stomach irritation
• Vision disorders
• Uncoordinated movement and balance
• Slurred speech
• Depression or irritability
• Nausea, vomiting and headaches
• Decreased ability to concentrate

Long term results:

• Ulcers, liver disease
• Decreased libido, impotence, menstrual disorders in women
• Laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia
• Acute and chronic myopathies
• Tremors in muscles of mouth and face,
• Seizures
• Hypertension and anemia

Spatial-temporal disorientation, memory disorders, paranoid syndromes, and auditory hallucinations