Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol can, and in many instances, will lead to serious health problems, chemical dependency, deterioration of the quality of life, and, if untreated, early death.
- Cocaine provides a short-lived "high" followed by depression, paranoia, anxiety, guilt, anger, and fear. It can cause rapid physical and psychological addiction. In some instances, cocaine may cause a heart attack or sudden death, even on the first use. The dangers of this highly addictive drug and its close derivative, "crack", are evidenced daily through the news media. Overdose of cocaine (or other stimulants) can cause agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.
- Marijuana, like cocaine, provides a short-term high, and like cocaine, is addictive. While the "high" may last only a short time, traces remain in the body for a month or more, inhibiting short-term memory, reducing reaction time and impairing visual tracking. It may also cause an inability to abstract and understand concepts. In some instances, it can depress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack, contribute to lung diseases, and infertility. Marijuana and other cannabis can cause euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, and disoriented behavior. Overdose can cause fatigue, paranoia, and possible death.
- Depressants such as barbiturates, chloral hydrate, benzodiazepines, etc., can cause slurred speech, disorientation, and drunken behavior without the odor of alcohol. Overdose can cause shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.
- Hallucinogens such as LSD, Mescaline, and Peyote amphetamine variants, etc., can cause illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. Overdose can cause longer, more intense illusionary hallucinatory episodes, psychosis, and possible death.
- Narcotics such as opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, and nausea. Overdose of narcotics can cause slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death.
- Prescription drugs, used improperly, can cause tiredness, or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, brain dam-age, and, in some instances, addiction or death.
- Alcohol, used abusively, will impair judgment, result in anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression, and isolation. Prolonged use may cause liver and heart disease, cancer, and psychological problems and dependency in the form of alcoholism. Alcohol used by pregnant women is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in children.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education Programs
A variety of counseling services and treatment centers are available throughout the state for anyone experiencing problems related to substance abuse. Although most counseling and treatment centers charge for their services, some programs are free of charge.
Faculty, staff, and students should avail themselves of sources to identify the services or programs that most closely meet their specific needs.
The following agencies can be contacted for assistance with drug/alcohol abuse related issues:
National and State-wide Organizations
Local Organizations
- Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia, INC, 7722 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 912-352-2425
- Colonial Management Group, 145 Southern Blvd., Suite B, Savannah, GA 912-233-6430
- Westside Cocaine Anonymous Group
- Savannah Meetings held Saturdays at 7:00 pm at Salvation Army, 3100 Montgomery Street, Savannah GA 912-272-3886
- Savannah GA Recovery Place, 835 East 65th Street, Savannah, GA 912-355-1440
- Mission Teens - Savannah MBTC, 1000 E. Victory Drive, Savannah GA 912-234-7000
- Pineland, 244 Peachtree Street, Jesup, GA 912-427-9338
- Bulloch DUI Risk Reduction, INC, 18 Simmons Center, Statesboro, GA 912-489-8401
- Willingway Substance Abuse Services, 311 Jones Mill Road, Statesboro, GA 912-764-6236
- Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
- Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov or: 1-800-662-HELP
- Alcoholics Anonymous in Georgia Meeting Locator http://www.aageorgia.org/find-a-meeting.html