Question

Identify one commonly abused substance. State possible risk factors for that substance. Identify  the effects of that substance on the brain and other vital organs. Identify the signs and symptoms of an active substance user that is taking that abused substance you have chosen.

Answer 1

Substance abuse

An overindulgence in and dependence on a drug or other chemical is called substance abuse.

Alcoholism

Alcohol is a commonly abused substance. Studies show that 50% of population aged above 13 and older have the habit of Alcoholism( in US). Alcohol is a Beverage containing Ethanol. Aloholism is a chronic disease caused by compulsive and uncontrollable consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to addiction and deterioration in health and social functioning.

Risk factors

-Family history of Alcoholsm( A parent with alcoholism)

- Peer pressure

- high stress

- low self esteem

- an early age of starting the alcohol

- Chronic disease( AIDS or Cancer) or pain

- Mental illness( depression)

- culture or religion( where the alcohol is commonly used)

Effect of Alcohol on brain and other vital organs

Alcohol binds with the neurotransmitters receptor sites, thus reducing the activities of neurotransmitters such as Gamma amino butyricacid( GABA), dopamine and glutamate. As a result slowing of movement, slurred speech , poor motor coordination may occur. Initially in small amounts alcohol mimics the activator of endorphins and the person feels excited, talkative and sociable. but Alcohol is a brain or nervous system depressant , with successive drinks the person become sedated. Toxic level is 25- 80mg / dL of blood alcohol concentration.

Vital organs: Liver is largely affected by alcohol. Alcohol is chemically ethanol and is metabolized into Acetaldehyde with the help of enzyme Alcohol dehydrogenase. Liver can metabolize approximately one alcoholic beverage in one hour. When there is too much drinking , it will be overloaded for liver. It affects liver cells and circulatory unmetabolized alcohol affects heart and brain. Chronic alcohol abuse causes cirrhosis of liver, hepatitis.

Signs and symptoms

* Excitement, euphoria

* confusion

* slurred speech, slow movement, loss of movement, vision problems

* stupor, coma or death

Withdrawal symptoms

* Anxiety

* Tremors of hands

* headache, nausea and insomnia

* sweating

* fever

* high blood pressure and heart beat.

General symptoms: Mood swings, secrecy, making excuses, absenteeism in colleges and work place, avoiding other recreational activities, isolated.