ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROBLEMS

ALCOHOL PROBLEMS

Why Do People Drink?

There are many reasons given why students drink. Many drink to be part of the crowd, others drink to avoid problems. Others use alcohol to avoid uncomfortable feelings, like anxiety or sadness. Anyone who drinks runs the risk of developing an alcohol problem. A serious problem can develop quickly, Drinking can lead to other drug use.

What Effects Can Alcohol Have On Me?

As well as having lack of muscle control, alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream and affects almost every system in your body.

Long term use can cause cancer, brain damage, cirrhosis of the liver, weight gain, and birth defects if drinking while pregnant. Excessive drinking can also cause serious accidents, injuries, and death. For example, more than one out of every three motor vehicle fatalities involves alcohol and one out of every four drownings are alcohol-related. In our community alone we have many fatalities caused by excessive alcohol use.

It can affect your school work and family and social relationships. Studies have shown that students who drink alcohol to excess end up with poorer school grades and take longer time to complete their degrees. Because alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, risky and violent behavior can result. For example, students impaired by alcohol often engage in vandalism and physical fights. Friendships and romantic relationships can also be jeopardized. Alcohol can lead people to say or do things they might regret, like making a bad decision about having sex with someone. Alcohol abuse can also lead to family conflicts and broken households.
One does not have to be using alcohol to be damaged by its effects. Children and partners of alcoholics can be seriously affected too. Being related to an alcoholic or living with an alcoholic puts one at greater risk for alcoholism and other addictions.

How Can I Get Help?

Help is available and easy to find! There are many different types of treatments to help those whose lives are affected by alcohol. For severe alcohol addictions, there are detoxification programs that require the alcoholic to stay in a hospital or a treatment center. Contact New Life Drug and Alcohol Counselling in Powell River or see your school counsellor for more information.

DRUGS

What Is A Drug?

Basically, a drug is any substance you intake that changes how your body works. Some examples of drugs are nicotine, cocaine, steroids, marijuana, inhalants, and caffeine. Different drugs have different effects on the body. Some drugs can cause you to hallucinate (i.e., see or hear things that other people do not). Others may speed up or slow down your system.

Why Do People Use Drugs?

Drugs are used for many reasons. Some take them out of curiosity to see what they feel like or because their friends are using them (peer pressure). Others take them to escape painful feelings and situations. Some use drugs because they are addicted and they cannot stop; when this happens the drug becomes more important than family, friends, or school. Still others use drugs because they believe in myths - that a drug can make someone more confident, get more work done, feel less sad, and have more fun. The biggest myth is that occasional drug use is harmless and it won’t become addicting to you.

What Effects Can Drugs Have On Me?

. Some drugs will cause damage after just one use, while others will hurt the body and mind more slowly. Here are some examples of possible effects different drugs can have: Nicotine - diminished sense of smell and taste, smoker's cough, emphysema, heart disease, stroke, cancer, frequent colds, and chronic bronchitis. Cocaine and Crack - heart attacks, strokes, respiratory failure, seizures, and reduction of the body's ability to resist infection. Steroids - liver tumors, high blood pressure, hair loss, severe acne, testicular shrinking, stunted growth, and an irregular menstrual cycle. Marijuana - sleeplessness, reduced concentration, paranoia, hallucinations, intense anxiety, cancer, and increased risk of infertility. Inhalants - severe mood swings, suffocation, loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, liver, lung and kidney impairment, and brain damage. Caffeine - sleeplessness, reduced concentration, intense anxiety, and restlessness.
One can become dependent on any drug, including those listed above.

How Can I Get Help?

Depending on the type of drug use, there are many different types of treatments available. For severe drug problems, there are detoxification and medication programs that require the patient to stay either in a hospital or treatment center. Also, there are programs that are administered at a clinic that the patient can attend daily. Treatments for less severe problems include individual, family, or couple’s therapy. Also, there are many support groups available for drug users and their family members or loved ones. You can contact a Counselling Center such as New Life or see your school counsellor.

AVOIDING ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROBLEMS ….Just say NO