Campus Safety

Substance Abuse Information

Welcome to the substance abuse information page for parents. This page is intended to give information about substance abuse. It's purpose is to help the parent identify specific drug use. The risk factor sheet will help evaluate a child's potential misuse of drugs. Education, prevention,and methods of treatment of substance abuse are also offered here. The following sites are offered for the convenience of others, and not all are officially endorsed or sanctioned by the groups described within, nor does the listing of any group here imply that I endorse, recommend Cross references to other Web sites are included.

• Facts on Popular Drugs
• Education and Prevention
• The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
• Alcohol Effects on the Body
• Publications on Substance Abuse
• How to Get Treatment

Facts on Popular Drugs

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates
• Caffeine
• Cocaine
• Glue
• Hallucinogens
• Heroin
• Inhalants
• Marijuana
• Nicotine
• PCP
• Prescription Drugs
• Ritalin
• Rohypnol(Roofies)
• Steroids
• Stimulants
• Chewing Tobacco/Snuff

Signs of Drug Use

1. Track or needle marks (usually on arms, hands,neck,legs)
2. Wearing sunglasses (to conceal dilated, constricted or bloodshot eyes)
3. Wearing long sleeve shirts in warm weather (to hide needle marks)
4. Long stays in the bathroom (possible drug ingestion)
5. Frequently late to work or appointments (typical pattern of drug users)
6. Excessive use of breath mints (masks the smell of alcohol)
7. Unwarranted laughter (associated with marijuana and pcp use)
8. Extreme mood swings (typical reaction to drug use)
9. Unusually disheveled or unkempt (distorted priorities)
10. Nodding out (drowsiness; lethargy)
11. Sweating profusely,even on cold days (physical reaction to drug use)
12. Bad attitude in the morning (hangover;depression;low self-esteem)
13. Borrowing or begging for money (to support drug habit)
14. Poor circulation (reaction related to drug use)
15. Undependable; unpredictable (typical pattern of drug use)
16. Aggressive; Uptight; Paranoid (common reaction to stimulants)
17. Swollen/puffy hands and/or feet (possible IV use)
18. Constant sniffling (signs of withdrawal or nasal damage)
19. Yawning (withdrawal symptom)
20. Associating with known users (could indicate drug involvement)
21. Teary eyes (withdrawal symptoms)
22. Hanging out in known drug locations (could indicate drug involvement)
23. Unnecessary or obvious lying (to cover up drug use)
24. Burns, lesions, sores, in mouth or on lips (smoking of drugs)
25. Burns or scorch marks on nose, lips, face (smoking of drugs)
26. Burns on fingers, clothing, furniture, rugs (handling fire while high)
27. Frequently isolation (low self-esteem; withdrawal from society)
28. Hyperactivity (possible stimulant use)
29. Listlessness (withdrawal symptom )
30. Hiding liquor in unusual places (to conceal alcohol abuse)
31. Presence of drug paraphernalia (sign of drug involvement)
32. Smell of marijuana (use or association with users)
33. Gradual disappearance of valuables (jewelry, T.V., appliances, clothing-sold for drugs)
34. Unexplained spending of unusual amounts of money (could indicate drug involvement)
35. Burnt spoons or bottle caps (items used to cook drugs)
36. Knotted shoestrings or pantyhose (armtie for IV use)
37. Bloodstained water of bloody tissues (could indicate IV use)
38. Drug-related illnesses (AIDS, endocarditis, abscesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, hepatitis, kidney failure, liver damage)

• Click here if you would like more tests.
• Am I an addict? Only you can answer that question.
• Click here for more information: Facts for Families

Education and Prevention

• Teen Help
• Links to Other Drug Sites
• Addiction Related Issues
• Smoking Effects
• Dual Diagnosis

The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain

Any chemical that alters mood, feelings, coordination, perception or behavior, alters the brain cells and disrupts their normal chemical behavior. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant- it slows down the body's functions and its effects are similar to those of a general anesthetic. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is the active ingredient in all alcoholic drinks. If you remove the ingredients that give taste and color to any alcoholic beverage, you get ethyl alcohol. Remove the water from ethyl alcohol and you get ether. Ether is an anesthetic that works on the brain and puts it to sleep.

When alcohol reaches the brain, it affects millions of nerve cells and changes communication patterns. Alcohol affects vision, distorts hearing, muddles speech, impairs judgment, dulls senses, disturbs motor skills, and reduces coordination. Deep inside the brain alcohol affects areas that control aggression, hunger, thirst, pleasure, pain and body temperature. This occurs because alcohol inhibits blood from transporting oxygen to blood cells. When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they become impaired or die.

Because the brain matures more slowly than other organs of the body, it may be even morc susceptible to certain permanent, irreversible effects of alcohol. The hypothalamus portion of the brain controls automatic reflexes: breathing, heartbeat and other bodily operations over which an individual has no conscious control. When alcohol is present in the blood stream it directly effects the hypothalamus, possibly damaging it particularly during adolescent years.

Alcohol has a profound effect on the frontal lobe- the part of the brain that allows us to analyze and program our behavior. It also allows us to convert experience to memory and is responsible for the formation of our 'self-image'. These processes require a tremendous amount of energy. The depressant nature of alcohol directly lowers the energy center in the brain. Mental capacity is lost and the ability to recognize the loss.

Adolescence is a time of fluctuating psychological and physical growth. Brain cells (neurons) are especially important during this developmental period and must be protected. The brain is the only body organ not equipped with pain fibers or the ability to produce new brain cells should they die.

For those under 21, drinking alcohol is illegal. Know the facts so when you say 'NO' you know why. Save your brain cells for later years, when you might need them!

Alcohol is a depressant, lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment, hinders coordination, slows reaction time, dulls senses, blocks memory formation, damages and kills cells.

What is One Drink:

• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (80 proof)
• 12 ounces of regular beer
• 5 ounces of wine

Alcohol Effects on the Body

Once alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is rapidly distributed throughout the body affecting almost every cell,organ,and level of functioning. The most profound early effects is on the central nervous system. It acts as a sedative, producing relaxation and a sense of well-being. It impairs intellect, physical abilities and metabolism. Alcohol reaches the brain within minutes.

Brain
Alcohol keeps passing through the brain until the liver has had time to oxidize it. The flow of oxygen to the brain is reduced. Fuzzy thinking, staggering,and confused speech results. Increased amounts of alcohol can cause brain damage,unconsciousness or death.

Eyes
Eye muscles relax, making it difficult to focus. The result can be blurred vision. In large amounts, alcohol can reduce the ability to see to the right and left.

Liver
The liver changes alcohol to water, carbon dioxide and energy(oxidation). About 0ne-half ounce of alcohol an hour is oxidized. Until the liver has time to oxidize all the alcohol, it keeps passing through all parts of the body. Over a period of time the liver becomes swollen and tender,which can keep the liver from working properly and bring on diseases that can kill. An alcohol damaged liver can also reduce the production of substances that clot blood and help stop bleeding.

Senses
The ability to smell and taste are reduced.

Heart
The workload of the heart is increased. Alcohol can raise blood pressure and cause the heart to beat irregularly which can lead to heart failure. Heavy use of alcohol over a period of years can damage the main heart muscle.

Stomach
Alcohol goes right into the stomach and then most of it goes down into the small intestine. The stomach lining is irritated and vomiting can result. Repeat use can cause ulcers and cancer of the esophagus.

Small Intestine
Alcohol goes from the stomach into the small intestine and then through the walls of the intestine and into the bloodstream.

Pancreas
Pancreas lining can swell, which can block the passage to the small intestine. Chemicals needed in the small intestine to aid digestion cannot get through. The chemicals begin to digest the pancreas itself, causing pain,vomiting,and possible death.

Blood
The bloodstream carries alcohol to all parts of the body. The bone marrow's ability to make red blood cells is reduced, causing a condition called anemia. Alcohol also reduces the number of white blood cells, and their ability to fight infection and interferes withnormal blood clotting.

Kidneys
Stops the kidneys from keeping the correct balance of fluid in the body.

Arteries
Swollen arteries in the head can put pressure on the nerves and cause headaches.

Veins
Widen blood vessels near the surface of the skin, causing loss of heat from the body.

Skin
Skin diseases such as acne worsen.

Muscles
Muscle weakness and destruction may occur.

If you would like to know how different drugs effect your system click here.

Publications on Substance Abuse

• County Alcohol Problem Indicators 1979-1985
• Dangers of Smoking, Benefits of Quitting, and Relative Risks of Reduced Exposure (Revised Edition)
• Drug Data: What Everyone Needs to Know about Mood-Altering Drugs
• The New Drugs: Look-alikes, Drugs of Deception, and Designer Drugs
• Asghar, Khursheed/Editor; Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetarnine and Related Designer Drugs
• Blurn, Kenneth; Alcohol and The Addictive Brain: New Hope for Alcoholics from Biogenetic Research
• Chilnick, Lawrence D., Editor; The Coke Book
• Cohen, Sidney; The Substance Abuse Problems, Volume One
• Cohen, Sidney; The Substance Abuse Problems: New Issues for the 1980's
• Crow, Kathryn E. and Batt, Richard D.; Human Metabolism of Alcohol Volume III-Metabolic and Physiological Effects of Alcohol
• DeBakey, Sainar F.; Liver Cirrhosis Mortality in the United States, 1970-1989
• Edwards, Gabrielle I.; Coping with Drug Abuse
• Erickson, Carlton K./Editor; Addiction Potential of Abused Drugs and Drug Classes
• Ferguson, Tom; The Smoker's Book of Health - How to Keep Yourself Healthier and Reduce Your Smoking Risks
• Fischman, Marian W. and Mello, Nancy K.; Testing for Abuse Liability of Drugs in Humans
• Inaba, Darryl S. and Cohen, William E.; Uppers, Downers, All Arounders Resources Available at Connecticut Clearinghouse

More Books

• Acute Cocaine Intoxication: Current Methods of Treatment
• Alcohol and Highway Safety
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Alcohol and Drug Interactions
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Blood Pressure and Alcohol Use, Alcoholism
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Brain Pathology and Alcoholism
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Cancer and Alcohol, Alcoholism
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Carbohydrate Metabolism
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Cognitive and Perceptual Functions
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Drinking Experiments
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Medical Complications: Cardiovascular System
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Medical Complications: Liver Cirrhosis
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Memory and Alcohol, Alcoholism
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Physiological/Biochemical Aspects: Nervous System
• Alcohol Bibliography Series-Tolerance and Adaptation to Alcohol Volume 2, 3, 4, 5

Pamphlets

• About Alcohol
• About Cocaine
• About Crack or Rock Cocaine
• About "Crank" and "Ice"
• About Heroin
• About Marijuana
• About Steroids
• Alcohol and the Elderly
• Caffeine -The Quick Perk
• Cocaine - the WUte Line on the Highway to Addiction
• Common Drugs - Two-edged Chemical Swords
• Drug Facts
• How Alcohol Affects Your Body
• Inhalants and Their Effects
• Leam About Alcohol
• LSD
• LSD - What You Should Know
• Mind-altering Drugs Series: Alcohol
• Mind-altering Drugs Series: Amphetamines
• Mind-altering Drugs Series - Crack
• Mind-altering Drugs Series - Hallucinogens
• Mind-altering Drugs Series - Opiates
• Mind-altering Drugs Series - Tobacco
• Mood-Altering Chemical Series: Tranquilizers
• Mood-Altering Chemical Series: Alcohol
• Over the Counter Drugs - Treating or Mistreating Yourself
• PCP
• What You Should Know About Marijuana Connecticut Clearinghouse - 334 Farmington Avenue - PlainviLle, CT 06062 1-800-232-4424 August 7.1995

  If you would like to order these books, or would like more information please call or write: Connecticut Clearinghouse at

  334 Farmington Avenue
  Plainville, CT 06062
  1-800-232-4424

  Or try the The National Clearinghouse. They are both a great place for resources and information on substance abuse.

How to Get Treatment

1-800-662-HELP

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Public Health Service, was created in October 1992 with the Congressional mandate to expand the availability of effective treatment and recovery services for alcohol and drug problems. The Center operates the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Routing Service, 1-800-662-HELP, which offers alcohol and other drug abuse-related information and/or referrals to people seeking treatment programs and other assistance. At CSAT, we know that treatment works. Working collaboratively we can loosen the grip of addiction, and decrease addiction- related diseases and addiction's affect on society.

12 Step Recovery Programs (A partial listing)

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-Anon/Alateen
• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Alcoholics Victorious
• Cocaine Anonymous
• Emotion Anonymous
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Nicotine Anonymous

This index will take you to other Twelve Step Programs.

Al-Anon: Is it for you?

1. Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?
2. Do you have money problems because of someone else's drinking?
3. Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking?
4. Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
5. Do you think that the drinker's behavior is caused by his or her companions?
6. Do you make threats, such as, "If you don't stop drinking, I'll leave you"?
7. Are routines frequently upset or meals delayed because of the drinker?
8. When you kiss the drinker hello, do you secretly try to smell his or her breath?
9. Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
10. Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker's behavior?
11. Does it seem as if every holiday is spoiled because of drinking?
12. Have you considered calling the police, for help in fear of abuse?
13. Do you find yourself searching for hidden liquor?
14. Do you often ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
15. Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
16. Do you sometimes feel like a failure when you think of the lengths you have gone to control the drinker?
17. Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking your other problems would be solved?
18. Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?
19. Do you feel angry, confused and depressed most of the time?
20. Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?

If you have answered yes to three or more of these questions, AL-ANON or Alateen may help.

If you are a parent, or any other interested individual,who would like to join a mailing list with other concerned people, check out Mailing List. There is also,a mailing list for AL-Anon/Alateen and a This page lets you talk over your feelings, and talk about what's going on in your life. A very good page. Another newsgroup is from Alcoholic Anonymous, it gives you lots of information that is very useful in your daily recovery. Many useful tips for eve Another very good resource is Help Line Information, where you can get information that you need for your particular circumstance.Any situation, anywhere in the world. They find agencies and support groups in your area,where you live to help you through y Check them out at Info Line. There is much information out there on the Information Highway on just about every subject known to man. You just have to know how to access it. If you did not find what you were looking for on this page, do a net search on the topic your are looking for. Keep looking and there are a lot of people out there who want to help you.