Alcohol and Drug Abuse - Symptoms & Treatment

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:23 PM IST

Alcohol and drug abuse is a problem of severity to individuals, families, and communities. These drugs usually interfere with the functioning of the brain and the biological systems, thereby causing immense harm to health. Abuse of alcohol naturally refers to excessive drinking, whereas abuse of drugs is defined as a misuse of either legal or illegal drugs. In the context of competitive exams such as NEET, AIIMS, and Nursing or paramedical entrance exams, the substance abuse causes, effects, and prevention would be of great interest to the students. This topic is included in the biology class 12 chapter on human health and disease from the CBSE.

This Story also Contains

What Are Drugs And What Is Drug Abuse?
Causes Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse
Negative Effects Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse
Early Teenager Drug Or Alcohol Misuse Indicators
Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Tips, Tricks And Strategies To Prepare Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control
Weightage Of Topic Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control In Exams
Types of Questions Asked On Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control In Exams
Recommended Video On Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control

Also Read:

What Are Drugs And What Is Drug Abuse?

Most of the drugs are plant-derived, such as opioids, coca alkaloids, and cannabinoids.
Synthetic drugs include barbiturates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.
Drugs affect the central nervous system; they change the functioning of the body and cause multiple damages.
They alter the feeling of the body due to distorted signals. This causes hallucinations and distorted perceptions.
During the influence of drugs, people go for unusual activities.

Causes Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse

There are multiple reasons why people turn to alcohol and drugs, including:

Cause	Explanation
Peer Pressure	Social circles can influence behaviour, especially among teenagers.
Stress and Anxiety	Many people misuse substances to cope with emotional or psychological stress.
Genetic Predisposition	Studies have shown that genetic factors may make some individuals more vulnerable.
Availability	Easy access to alcohol and drugs increases the likelihood of abuse.
Curiosity and Experimentation	Especially common in adolescents, driven by the need to explore and experiment.

Negative Effects Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse

Rapid heart rate
Slow movement of the body
Throat dryness
Rapid breathing or slow breathing
Impaired senses (smell, sight, hearing, touch)
Substance abuse results in devastating impacts on the physical, physiological, and mental states
No safe dosage for drug intake; long-term use creates tolerance and dependence
During adolescence, young people often initiate drug or alcohol use to relieve anxiety or depression or to gain popularity in their social interactions.
Gateway drugs such as tobacco and alcohol serve as a gateway to dangerous use of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin
Young people are risky because they are curious, take considerable risks, and are influenced by their friends.
Substance abuse family history enhances the possibility of progression from experimentation to dependency.

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Early Teenager Drug Or Alcohol Misuse Indicators

Poor academic performances
Friendship change
Criminal behaviour
Family relationship: strained
Body signs: red eyes, frequent coughing, and changes in eating or sleeping pattern
Dependency signs: blacks outs, withdrawal signs, loss of functioning in family, school, or work.

Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Prevention strategies are highly important in combating this ever-increasing problem of substance misuse. Holistic prevention includes all the education, support systems, and healthcare interventions.

Strategy	Description
Education and Awareness	Schools and communities should be educated about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
Parental Involvement	Parents play a crucial role in preventing substance use through communication.
Mental Health Support	Offering counselling and support for stress and anxiety reduces the risk of abuse.
Law Enforcement and Policies	Strict regulations on the sale and distribution of alcohol and drugs are necessary.
Peer Support and Counseling Programs	Rehabilitation centres and counselling help users recover and prevent relapses.

Tips, Tricks And Strategies To Prepare Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control

Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams to obtain an impact of substances on brain functioning, neuron communication, and body systems.
Mnemonics: The kinds of drugs can be recalled with the use of a mnemonic like "CD-HS" or Cannabis, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Stimulants
Real-Life Examples: Case studies help in relating academic knowledge regarding alcohol and drug abuse to real-life situations.
Flashcards: Flashcards are utilized for remembering causes, effects, and prevention strategies for alcohol and drug abuse.

Weightage Of Topic Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control In Exams

Given below is the weightage of the topic Alcohol drug abuse prevention control in exams:

Exam	Weightage on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
CBSE Board Exams	3-5%
NEET	2-3%
Nursing Entrance Exams	2-4%
Paramedical Exams	3-5%

Types of Questions Asked On Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control In Exams

The table given below indicates the types of questions related to the topic of alcohol drug abuse prevention control asked in various exams:

Exam Type	Type of Questions
CBSE Board Exams	Short answer questions on causes and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse
NEET	MCQs on the biological effects and prevention strategies
Nursing Entrance Exams	True/False or scenario-based questions on counselling for substance abusers
Paramedical Entrance Exams	Case studies on the management of substance abuse

Conclusion

In summary, alcohol and substance abuse is a major problem in our society, yet it is often overlooked. Many people can relate to this and the solution is for us to join hands and work together as a team. countries that do not abuse drugs are more productive and healthier.

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Difference Between Humoral And Cell Mediated Immunity	Difference Between Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Recommended Video On Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is alcohol and drug abuse?

Harmful use of alcohol or drugs is a situation where they are used in such a pattern that causes health problems and addiction, and negative impacts on personal and social life.

2. What is the relationship between alcohol and drugs?

Alcohol and drugs when used together can magnify each other's impact and increase the potential for great risks to health and addiction.

3. What do you mean by drug abuse?

Drug abuse may be defined as the misuse of either legal or illegal drugs in which a substance is used in quantities other than those prescribed to achieve purposes other than what it was recommended.

4. What are the warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse in teenagers?

Warning signs include poor academic performance, friends change, criminal behavior, strained family relationships, red eyes, continuous coughing, and changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

5. How does drug tolerance lead to dependency?

The body becomes tolerant of frequent drug-taking. Larger amounts are required to elicit similar effects. This would lead to a cycle of increasing usage up to physical and psychological dependency.

6. How do genetic factors contribute to substance abuse risk?

Genetic factors play a significant role in substance abuse risk. Studies suggest that about 40-60% of an individual's vulnerability to addiction can be attributed to genetics. Specific genes can influence how a person responds to drugs, their likelihood of experimenting with substances, and their risk of developing dependence. However, genetic predisposition doesn't guarantee addiction; environmental factors also play a crucial role.

7. How do environmental factors interact with genetic predisposition in substance abuse?

Environmental factors interact with genetic predisposition in substance abuse through a process called gene-environment interaction. While genes may create a vulnerability to addiction, environmental factors can either trigger or suppress this genetic potential. Key environmental factors include:

8. What is the role of neurotransmitters in addiction?

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in addiction. Drugs of abuse often target the brain's neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine in the reward pathway. They can mimic neurotransmitters, alter their production or release, or interfere with their reuptake. This disruption of normal neurotransmitter function leads to the reinforcing effects of drugs and contributes to the development of addiction.

9. What is the role of stress in addiction and relapse?

Stress plays a significant role in both the development of addiction and the risk of relapse:

10. What is the role of the endocannabinoid system in addiction?

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in addiction processes. It consists of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. This system modulates various physiological processes, including reward, motivation, and stress responses. Drugs of abuse, particularly cannabis, can interact with this system, affecting dopamine release in the reward pathway. The endocannabinoid system's involvement in stress regulation and emotional memory formation also contributes to its role in addiction development and relapse.

11. What are some common signs of drug addiction?

Common signs of drug addiction include:

12. How does substance abuse affect brain development in adolescents?

Substance abuse during adolescence can significantly impact brain development. The adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is still developing until the mid-20s. Drug use during this period can interfere with neurotransmitter systems, potentially leading to long-term changes in brain structure and function. This can result in cognitive deficits, increased risk-taking behavior, and a higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life.

13. What is the role of neurotransmitter receptor upregulation and downregulation in tolerance and withdrawal?

Neurotransmitter receptor upregulation and downregulation play crucial roles in tolerance and withdrawal:

14. How does alcohol affect the central nervous system?

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system. It affects neurotransmitter activity, particularly enhancing the effects of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and suppressing glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). This leads to reduced brain activity, impaired cognitive function, and slowed reflexes.

15. What are the short-term effects of alcohol consumption?

Short-term effects of alcohol include impaired judgment, slurred speech, poor coordination, slowed reflexes, blurred vision, and memory lapses. In higher doses, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. The severity of effects depends on factors like amount consumed, body weight, and individual tolerance.

16. How do drugs of abuse affect the brain's reward system?

Drugs of abuse activate the brain's reward system by causing a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This activation is much stronger and more direct than natural rewards, leading to intense feelings of euphoria. Over time, repeated drug use can alter the brain's reward circuitry, leading to addiction.

17. What is tolerance in the context of substance abuse?

Tolerance is a phenomenon where a person needs to use more of a substance to achieve the same effects previously experienced at lower doses. It occurs as the body adapts to the regular presence of the substance, often leading to increased consumption and potentially contributing to the development of addiction.

18. How does withdrawal occur, and why is it potentially dangerous?

Withdrawal occurs when a person who has developed physical dependence on a substance suddenly stops or significantly reduces their use. It results from the body's adaptation to the substance's absence, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms. Withdrawal can be dangerous, especially from alcohol and certain drugs, as it can cause severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and in extreme cases, death.

19. What is the concept of behavioral addiction, and how does it relate to substance addiction?

Behavioral addiction refers to compulsive engagement in rewarding non-drug behaviors (e.g., gambling, internet use, sex) despite negative consequences. It shares several features with substance addiction:

20. How does binge drinking differ from other forms of alcohol abuse?

Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher, typically occurring when men consume 5 or more drinks or women consume 4 or more drinks within about 2 hours. It differs from other forms of alcohol abuse in its episodic nature and intensity. While not all binge drinkers are alcohol dependent, this pattern can lead to numerous health risks and increase the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder.

21. What are the stages of addiction development?

The stages of addiction development typically include:

22. How do co-occurring mental health disorders impact substance abuse treatment?

Co-occurring mental health disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, significantly impact substance abuse treatment:

23. What is cross-tolerance, and why is it significant in substance abuse?

Cross-tolerance occurs when tolerance to one substance leads to tolerance of another, usually within the same class of drugs. For example, tolerance to one type of opioid may result in tolerance to other opioids. This is significant in substance abuse because it can lead to escalating drug use, as individuals may switch between substances or combine multiple drugs to achieve desired effects, increasing the risk of overdose and other health complications.

24. How do different routes of administration affect drug action and addiction potential?

Different routes of drug administration (e.g., oral, inhalation, injection) can significantly affect a drug's action and addiction potential:

25. How does the body metabolize alcohol?

The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol through a process called oxidation. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, which is then converted to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Finally, acetate is broken down into water and carbon dioxide. The liver can process about one standard drink per hour.

26. What is the concept of "kindling" in alcohol withdrawal?

Kindling in alcohol withdrawal refers to the phenomenon where repeated episodes of alcohol withdrawal become progressively more severe. Each withdrawal episode sensitizes the brain, making it more reactive to future withdrawals. This can lead to more intense and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms in subsequent episodes, even with shorter periods of alcohol use or lower amounts consumed. Kindling highlights the importance of proper medical supervision during alcohol detoxification, especially for individuals with a history of multiple withdrawal episodes.

27. What is the concept of neuroplasticity in relation to addiction and recovery?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to form new neural connections and reorganize existing ones. In addiction, drugs of abuse can hijack this natural process, leading to maladaptive changes that reinforce drug-seeking behavior. However, neuroplasticity also plays a crucial role in recovery. As individuals abstain from substances and engage in recovery activities, the brain can form new, healthier neural pathways. This underlies the potential for cognitive improvement and behavioral change during recovery, though it often requires sustained effort and time.

28. How does polysubstance abuse complicate treatment and recovery?

Polysubstance abuse, the use of multiple drugs simultaneously or within a short period, complicates treatment and recovery in several ways:

29. What is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, is a more severe condition characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, inability to control drinking, and continued use despite negative consequences.

30. What is the concept of drug sensitization, and how does it differ from tolerance?

Drug sensitization, also known as reverse tolerance, is a process where repeated administration of a drug leads to an enhanced response to its effects. This is in contrast to tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect. Key differences include:

31. How does prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol affect fetal development and long-term outcomes?

Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol can have significant impacts on fetal development and long-term outcomes:

32. What defines substance abuse?

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It involves a pattern of use that causes significant impairment or distress, affecting physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning.

33. How do stimulants like cocaine affect the body?

Stimulants like cocaine increase alertness, attention, and energy by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They cause a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, elevated body temperature, and constricted blood vessels. Short-term effects include euphoria, increased energy, and mental alertness, while long-term use can lead to cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and addiction.

34. How do opioids affect the body and brain?

Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas, reducing pain perception and producing feelings of euphoria. They slow down breathing and heart rate, and can cause constipation and drowsiness. In the brain, opioids trigger the release of dopamine, creating a sense of well-being. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction.

35. How do hallucinogens affect perception and cognition?

Hallucinogens alter perception and cognition by interacting with specific neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonin. They can cause:

36. What are the potential long-term effects of chronic alcohol abuse?

Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to numerous long-term health problems, including:

37. How do different pharmacological treatments for addiction work?

Pharmacological treatments