Alcohol

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Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body.

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Australia.

Other names:

Booze, Grog, Piss, Liquor, Turps, Six pack, Long necks, Slabs, Casks

What are the possible short-term effects?

People commonly consume alcohol to feel relaxed and increase confidence. Other short-term effects include:

  • Dizziness.
  • Slower reflexes.
  • Poor balance.
  • Poor co-ordination.
  • Slurring of words.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Impaired judgement.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Feeling happier or sadder, depending on your mood.

If a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time they may experience:

  • Headaches.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Agitation.
  • Confusion.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Clumsiness.
  • Memory loss.
  • Mood swings.
  • Disinhibited behaviour.
  • Loss of consciousness (‘passing out’).
  • Coma.
  • Respiratory arrest including death.

What are the possible long-term effects?

Alcohol affects people differently depending on a range of factors including the individual characteristics of the person (size, weight, gender and health), the strength of the drink, the amount consumed, whether other drugs are used at the same time, whether the person is used to consuming alcohol.

Possible long-term effects include:

  • Difficulty getting an erection.
  • Memory loss.
  • Confusion.
  • Brain damage.
  • Poor sleep.
  • Increased risk of a range of cancers.
  • Liver disease.
  • High blood pressure and heart disease.
  • Fertility problems and difficulty having children.
  • Diabetes.
  • Decreased motivation.
  • Mood swings.
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.

What are the signs of an ALCOHOL problem?

  • Spending a large amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects.
  • Using greater amounts, or for longer than originally planned.
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect.
  • Having cravings, difficulties stopping/reducing use.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Sweating.
  • Tremors.
  • Nausea.
  • Anxiety.
  • Irritability.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Seizures or fits.
  • Delusions.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Social problems including relationship issues.
  • Financial problems.
  • Impacts on study or work.
  • Legal problems

Treatment.

When a person is dependent on a drug, withdrawal of the drug carries risks of physical harm, psychological trauma and (rarely) death. As a result, our team work closely with the patient to withdraw the drug safely from the body. During this phase, we may supply short-term medications to modify the withdrawal process, making it safer and more tolerable.

In some cases, we may suggest we refer you to a specialist facility for 24 hour medical supervision during the withdrawal phase. In such cases, we will discuss this with you when devising your treatment plan.

Following the withdrawal, our team will work with the patient to help them maintain their abstinence or maintain a more controlled drinking pattern. This will include skills training for relapse prevention. It will also normally include a holistic engagement that focuses on the mental, emotional, relation or spiritual health of the individual.

The withdrawal process may also unmask underlying mental illnesses or symptoms. If these are identified, we will work with the patient to treat these medical conditions. This may include medication and/or counselling/psychological therapies.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by Alcohol addiction, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.

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