Summary of the Health Effects of
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
The following is a partial list of drugs and some of the consequences of their use. The abuse of alcohol and use of other illegal drugs is detrimental to the health of the user. Further, the use of drugs and alcohol is not conducive to an academic atmosphere. Drugs impede the learning process and can cause disruption for other students and disturb their academic interests. The use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace may also impede the employee’s ability to perform in a safe and effective manner, and may result in injuries to others. Early diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse is in the best interest of the student, employee and the college.
The effects of any drug depend on the amount taken at one time, the past experience of the drug user, the circumstances in which the drug is taken (place, feelings, activities of the user, presence of other people, simultaneous use of other drugs) and the manner in which the drug is taken. This list includes only some of the known health risks. All legal or illegal drugs are not covered in this brief section.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug on campus and in society. Alcohol is chemically classified as a mind-altering drug because it contains ethanol and has the chemical power to depress the action of the central nervous system. This depression affects motor coordination, speech and vision. In great amounts, it can affect respiration and heart rate control. Death can result when the level of blood alcohol exceeds 0.40%. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, malnutrition and cirrhosis of the liver.
Cannabis-Marijuana and Hashish
Marijuana and hashish are harmful to the health and impair the short-term memory and comprehension of the user. When used, they alter the sense of time and reduce the ability of the user to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination and they increase the heart rate and appetite. Motivation and cognition can be altered, making acquisition and retaining of new information difficult. Long-term users may develop psychological dependence that can produce paranoia and psychosis. Because this drug is inhaled as unfiltered smoke, it is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system and has more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.
Club Drugs
“Club Drugs” is a general term for certain illicit substances, primarily synthetic, that are usually found at nightclubs, bars and raves. These substances can cause serious physical and psychological problems, even death. MDMA (ecstasy) can increase users’ blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels and even lead to heart or kidney failure. GHB and Rohypnol can cause muscle relaxation, loss of consciousness and an inability to remember what happened during the hours after ingesting the drug. Because club drugs are often produced in makeshift laboratories, it is impossible to know exactly what chemicals were used to produce them. Potency of these substances can vary significantly from batch to batch.
Cocaine and Crack
Cocaine and crack stimulate the central nervous system and are extremely addictive. They can cause psychological and physical dependency which can lead to dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, paranoia and seizures. They can also cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.
Depressants and Barbiturates
Depressants and barbiturates can cause physical and psychological dependence that can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death, especially when used in concert with alcohol. Withdrawal can lead to restlessness, insomnia, convulsions and even death.
Hallucinogens
LSD, PCP, mescaline and peyote are classified as hallucinogens. Hallucinogens interrupt brain messages that control the intellect and keep instincts in check. Large doses can produce convulsions and coma, heart and lung failure. Chronic users complain of persistent memory problems and speech difficulties for up to a year after their use. Because the drugs stop the brain’s pain sensors, drug experiences may result in severe self-inflicted injuries.
Methamphetamine
An addictive stimulant commonly referred to as “meth,” “crank,” “crystal” and “ice.” Methamphetamine is often manufactured in small home laboratories in rural communities. Methamphetamine can be taken orally, injected, snorted or smoked. Health effects include increases in heart rate and blood pressure, aggression, anxiety and paranoia. Chronic users damage nerve cells resulting in symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
Narcotics
Users of narcotics, such as heroin, codeine, morphine and opium develop dependence and increase the likelihood of an overdose that can lead to convulsions, coma and death.
Nicotine
Nicotine is highly addictive, whether ingested by smoking or chewing. This drug reaches the brain in six seconds, damages the lungs, decreases heart strength and is associated with many cancers. The withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, progressive restlessness, irritability and sleep disturbance.
Stimulants and Amphetamines
Other stimulant and amphetamine use can have the same effect as cocaine and cause increased heart rates and blood pressure that can result in stroke or heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness, sleeplessness and anxiety and can also lead to psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia and even a physical collapse.
Treatment/Rehabilitation
Chemical dependence is a treatable disease. There is absolutely no need for anyone to remain a victim of chemical dependence. Treatment can include medical detoxification, inpatient, outpatient and day treatment to assist the chemically dependent person to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Warning signs of an alcohol or other drug problem are not always dramatic. They have more to do with attitude and interpersonal relations than with “passing out” or medical emergencies.
The following questions can help identify dependence. Are you:
• Steadily drinking or using more at a time or more often?
• Setting limits on how much, how often, when or where you will drink or use other drugs and repeatedly violating them?
• Keeping a large supply on hand or becoming concerned when you run low?
• Drinking or using other drugs before you go out with friends who don’t drink or before going to activities where they won’t be available (class, work, etc.)?
• Drinking or using other drugs alone?
• Drinking or using other drugs every day?
• Spending more money than you can afford on alcohol or other drugs?
• Doing or saying things when you’re under the influence that you regret later or don’t remember?
• Lying to friends and family about your drinking or other drug use?
• Becoming accident prone when you’re under the influence (spilling, dropping, breaking things)?
• Regularly hung over the morning after drinking?
• Worrying about your drinking or other drug abuse?
• Having academic problems such as missing classes, difficulty studying, showing little interest in school or declining grades?
• Reducing contact with friends or experiencing increasing problems with important relationships?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider consulting a counselor or health professional. While one “yes” doesn’t mean you are dependent, it suggests that your drinking or other drug use may be causing you some problems. Contact the MSTC Student Affairs Office for any additional information, including addresses and telephone numbers of agencies designed to assist individuals who are encountering problems with alcohol and other drugs.
MSTC students may receive drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or re-entry programs through the following off-campus community resources:
Adams-Friendship
Adams County Community Programs
108 East North Street • P. O. Box 295
608.339.4511 or 888.830.3454
Stevens Point
Ministry of Behavioral Health
209 Prentice Street N.
715.344.4611
Marshfield
Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital
611 St. Joseph Avenue
715.387.9708
Wausau
North Central Health Care Facilities
Premiere Recovery Services
1100 Lakeview Drive
715.848.4540 (Assessment)
715.858.4366 (Crisis Center)
Wisconsin Rapids
Wood County Department of Unified Services
2611 12th Street S.
715.421.8840
24-Hour Crisis Intervention:
Adams • 800.454.8966
Marshfield • 715.384.5555
Stevens Point • 715.343.7125
Wisconsin Rapids • 715.421.2345
Note: The financial responsibility of receiving services from these community service agencies rests upon the person receiving the services. Other resources can be found in the yellow pages of the telephone book under Alcoholism Information and Treatment Centers.
If you are involved with drugs or are abusing alcohol, use the help available. If others you know are involved, encourage them to seek help. Participate in drug and alcohol education and prevention programs if you are a student. Be sure you read our written policy. Questions are encouraged. Contact the MSTC Student Affairs Office for any additional information, including addresses and telephone numbers of agencies designed to assist individuals who are encountering problems with alcohol and other drugs.
Free anonymous screenings for mental health and alcohol abuse are available at:
www.mstc.edu/students/counseling.htm
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