81 continued Know the Risks and Effects continued Drinking too much can lead people to do the kinds of things they would ever consider without alcohol. Binge drinking reduces a person’s inhibitions, they become less aware of what’s happening around them, quicker to anger, more reckless and much more prone to do dangerous, stupid, or embarrassing things that they would never consider while sober. Alcohol Poisoning An alcohol overdose can happen to anyone who consumes alcohol too quickly. Teenagers and young adults who binge drink may be at particular risk. An alcohol overdose can happen when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that the areas of the brain controlling basic lifesupport functions — such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature control — begin to shut down. Critical Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol Overdose • Mental confusion, stupor • Difficulty remaining conscious, or inability to wake up • Vomiting • Seizures • Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute) • Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths) • Slow heart rate • Clammy skin • Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex • Extremely low body temperature, bluish skin color, or paleness (which prevents choking) Alcohol overdose can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Know the danger signs and act quickly – Don’t play doctor – cold showers, hot coffee, or walking it off do not reverse alcohol overdose Call 911 immediately. 1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – https://www.camh.ca 2. Health Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/s ubstanceuse/alcohol/healthrisks.html 3. Health Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/s ubstanceuse/alcohol/healthrisks.html 4. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – CAMH (https://www.camh.ca/en/healthinfo/guidesandpu blications/partyingandgettingdrunk 5. CCSA – https://ccsa.ca/canadasguidancealcoholandhealth Effects & Risks of Cannabis Cannabis affects different people in different ways. Short Term Effects Shortterm effects can include feeling happy, relaxation, increased sociability, and heightened sensation. Problems with memory and learning, distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch), trouble with thinking and problem solving, body tremors, loss of motor coordination, increased heart rate and anxiety, and panic attacks. coordination, increased heart rate, and anxiety, and panic attacks. These effects may be even greater when other drugs are mixed with cannabis.1 Long Term Effects Cannabis is an addictive substance. The risk of developing dependence is one in six among those who start using cannabis frequently during adolescence.2 Regular cannabis use in adolescents is associated with experiencing psychotic symptoms (changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours), especially when there is a family
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