Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans.
- Excessive alcohol use can increase a person’s risk of developing serious health problems in addition to those issues associated with intoxication behaviors and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Tobacco use and smoking do damage to nearly every organ in the human body, often leading to lung cancer, respiratory disorders, heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses.
- Marijuana has not only immediate effects like distorted perception, difficulty problem solving, and loss of motor coordination, but also effects with long-term use such as respiratory infection, impaired memory, and exposure to cancer-causing compounds.
- Opioids reduce the perception of pain but can also produce drowsiness, mental confusion, euphoria, nausea, constipation, and—depending upon the amount of drug taken—can depress respiration.1
Think about…
- Have you tried tools that can help you cut down or quit using tobacco products, alcohol, or other drugs?
- Are you reaching out to family or friends instead of using substances when you are going through a tough time?
- Are you being mindful of triggers that make you want to use substances and do you have a plan that can help you avoid them?
Resources…
- Find support groups and 12-step groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), in your community and attend meetings.
- Consider engaging in hypnosis, acupuncture, or nicotine replacement therapy to curb the smoking habit.
1 SAMSHA: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod
