Alcohol Effects on Motor Functioning and Health

Alcohol Use and Its Effects

• Low doses of alcohol (0.04 BAC) may cause slight motor impairment, whereas high doses (0.08 BAC) lead to significant impairment affecting driving ability.
• Prolonged alcohol consumption negatively impacts nearly all body tissues, risking severe health consequences.
• Alcohol can directly cause malnutrition by hindering food digestion and vitamin absorption.
• Chronic alcohol abuse in older adults can result in B-complex vitamin deficiencies, leading to amnestic syndrome characterized by significant memory loss and confabulation.
• Heavy drinking contributes to liver cirrhosis, where liver cells accumulate fat and protein, and is linked with heart failure, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, stroke, and capillary hemorrhages.
• Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading cause of intellectual developmental disorders in children, leading to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) with various physical and developmental anomalies.

Nicotine and Tobacco Smoke

• Nicotine, the addicting component of tobacco, poses significant health risks through both direct smoking and secondhand exposure.
• Secondhand smoke contains higher concentrations of harmful substances like ammonia and tar, causing lung damage and increasing risks for lung cancer and cardiovascular disease in nonsmokers.
• Babies exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk for premature birth, low birth weight, and defects.
• Children of smokers experience more frequent respiratory issues, including asthma and bronchitis, and are at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Marijuana Use and Effects

• Marijuana, derived from Cannabis sativa, is consumed in various forms, including smoking and edibles, with hashish being a more potent version.
• Users report feelings of relaxation and sociability, but high doses can lead to anxiety, impaired memory, and hallucinations, similar to those caused by LSD.
• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary active chemical; today's marijuana contains higher THC levels than in previous decades.
• Short-term effects include bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite, and altered blood pressure; a severe letdown follows the initial high.

Opiates and Withdrawal

• Opiates, including heroin, activate the body's opioid receptors, leading to powerful effects and high potential for addiction.
• Withdrawal symptoms appear within 8 hours after the last use and include muscle pain, irritability, gastrointestinal distress, and insomnia, lasting around 72 hours before gradually subsiding.
• Sharing needles during opiate use carries risks for diseases like HIV.

Stimulants

• Stimulants enhance alertness and motor activity; caffeine is the most widely used legal stimulant.
• Amphetamines, developed in the early 20th century, were utilized during WWII to combat fatigue; however, they carry risks of addiction and adverse cardiovascular effects.
• Cocaine, a natural stimulant, narrows blood vessels and increases the likelihood of overdose, leading to serious health issues including strokes.

Hallucinogens

• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), discovered in 1938, causes recognized hallucinations and mood swings, with potential for panic attacks.
• Flashbacks can occur after LSD effects fade, especially during stress.
• Other hallucinogens, like mescaline and psilocybin, stimulate serotonin receptors and have cultural significance in various religions.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

• Ecstasy became illegal in 1985 and is a combination of hallucinogen and stimulant effects, enhancing mood, emotional intimacy, and self-confidence while causing adverse physical reactions.
• Users report stronger effects, particularly women, including anxiety, muscle tension, and confusion.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

• PCP, known as "angel dust," causes serious psychological reactions such as paranoia and, in severe cases, coma or death; chronic use is linked to neuropsychological deficits.

Etiology of Substance Use Disorders

• Developmental process includes a progression from positive attitude, through experimentation and regular use, to dependence.
• Genetic factors involve various genes related to alcohol metabolism and neural function.
• The dopamine system plays a critical role in developing addiction, influenced by psychological factors like mood alteration and personality traits.
• Sociocultural influences are shaped by peers, family, media, and cultural norms regarding substance use.

Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

• Effective treatment often requires inpatient hospitalization for detoxification, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.