According to the American Council for Drug Education, there are nearly 15 million alcoholics in America. In addition, alcohol contributes to nearly 100,000 deaths annually. Various drugs produce different effects on the body. Some stimulants or narcotics increase the activity of the brain, while some depressants slow down the body's systems. Alcohol and drugs can damage different body organs, including the liver, heart, kidneys, brain and nervous system. Also, drugs and alcohol can lead to a wide range of medical and mental problems.
Neurological Effects
Alcohol and drugs may lead to such neurological complications as coordination problems, impaired vision, blackouts and short-term memory loss. Although alcohol initially offers a soothing effect, it impairs concentration and slows down one's reflexes, which is especially dangerous when driving. Drugs such as cocaine initiate problems such as headaches, dizziness, anxiety and hallucinations. Long-term drug and alcohol use can cause brain damage and adversely affect cognitive abilities.
Psychological Disorders
Alcohol is associated with various psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and paranoia. It also affects a person's judgment and has the ability to destroy personal relationships. Chronic drug abuse may occur in conjunction with any mental illness. Some common mental disorders associated with drug abuse, in addition to the ones listed above, include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, with some of these disorders carrying with them an increased risk of drug abuse.
Pregnancy Complications
Alcohol and drugs that are used during pregnancy enter the fetus through the placenta. This can have severe effects on the fetus, resulting in numerous abnormalities, such as cognitive disorders, and in some cases, miscarriage. Both drugs and alcohol cause underweight babies, premature deliveries and also fetus death. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in a birth defect known as fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS, which includes such characteristics as low birth weight, failure to thrive, organ dysfunction and facial abnormalities, to name just a few.
