Developed byAlcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-IndiaAlcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-IndiaAlcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-IndiaAlcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-IndiaAlcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-India

Pattom, Trivandrum - 695004, KeralaPhone : 0471 - 2551221

Supported byWWWWWorld Health Organization (WHO)orld Health Organization (WHO)orld Health Organization (WHO)orld Health Organization (WHO)orld Health Organization (WHO)

India Office, Delhi

We may have to face unexpected disasters in lifeAlcohol or drugs can never solve our problemsThey may only lead us to more tragic disasters

activities in the electronic and print media, cinema and sponsorshipevents; Restricting sales and use near educational institutions, placesof worship, project areas and public places, besides, increasing thelegal drinking and smoking age limit to 21 years are some of theeffective strategies.

Demand Reduction ProgrammesDemand Reduction ProgrammesDemand Reduction ProgrammesDemand Reduction ProgrammesDemand Reduction Programmes

Increased awareness campaigns shall beorganized in different communities andtarget groups highlighting the hazardsof alcohol and substance use;Seminars, workshops, exhibitions,film shows, rallies shall be arranged;Youth and students should be morefocused and lessons on the topic shallbe included in the educational curriculum. Voluntary Agencies andFaith Organizations should be encouraged to play a vital role inimparting preventive education.

Counseling, Counseling, Counseling, Counseling, Counseling, TTTTTreatment & Rehabilitreatment & Rehabilitreatment & Rehabilitreatment & Rehabilitreatment & Rehabilitationationationationation

Counseling and treatment facility should be provided to those whohave already become victims to alcohol and other substances.

Rehabilitation programmes shouldbe implemented in specific targetgroups. Free counseling andtreatment facilities should beprovided in all Primary HealthcareCentres and Government hospitals.

What can we do?What can we do?What can we do?What can we do?What can we do?

Create increased awareness about the hazards of alcohol andsubstance abuse.Take strong pledge of abstention from alcohol, drugs or any otherintoxication.When somebody forces you to use, be bold enough to refuse itpolitely - Say “NO”!Discuss and share problems and feelings with parents, teachers,elders and spiritual leaders.Help and prevent friends and relatives from the negative influencesof alcohol and drugs.Maintain and ensure that your home is always “Alcohol, Drugs andTobacco Free”.Involve and participate in substance abuse prevention programmesand activities.

“That which is drowned in the Seacannot be brought back by

drowning in booze”

Developed by: Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC) - IndiaSupported by: World Health Organization (WHO) - India

Educational Pamphlet

RememberRememberRememberRememberRemember...............Your life and future is precious!

Think wisely and act responsibly!!The ultimate decision is yours!!!

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSEA CURSE TO THE SOCIETY

colonies and slums that alcohol and drugs will help to relieve pain &trauma, tensions & worries, improve digestion and provide a feelingof well-being.

How do How do How do How do How do Alcohol & Drugs afAlcohol & Drugs afAlcohol & Drugs afAlcohol & Drugs afAlcohol & Drugs affect the User?fect the User?fect the User?fect the User?fect the User?

Alcohol and drugs shortly after their consumptionare absorbed fast into the blood and throughthe circulatory system it reaches the brain,heart and all vital organs of the bodycreating psychological and physical changes onthe user.

Hazards of SubstHazards of SubstHazards of SubstHazards of SubstHazards of Substance Useance Useance Useance Useance Use

Physical ProblemsPhysical ProblemsPhysical ProblemsPhysical ProblemsPhysical Problems

Alcoholism and substance abuse has emerged as a major public healthproblem in our society. It affects most of the organs in the humanbody.

Psychological ProPsychological ProPsychological ProPsychological ProPsychological Problemsblemsblemsblemsblems

As alcohol and other drugs affect the brainand the central nervous system, it leadsto several psychological and emotionalproblems such as slurred speech, blurredvision, impaired memory, wrong judgement,anger, depression, fear, slow reflex actionand other behavioural problems.

Social ProblemsSocial ProblemsSocial ProblemsSocial ProblemsSocial Problems

Alcohol and substance use often leads toserious social problems which includefinancial debts, broken relationships,marital problems, family break-down, roadaccidents and other accidents, problemsin the work place, conflicts, increasedimmoral activities, divorces, suicides andhomicides and may also lead to seriousepidemic like HIV/AIDS. It affects the verysocial fabric of our society.

Why are Why are Why are Why are Why are Alcohol and Drugs Dangerous?Alcohol and Drugs Dangerous?Alcohol and Drugs Dangerous?Alcohol and Drugs Dangerous?Alcohol and Drugs Dangerous?

All substances including alcohol, drugs and tobacco often lead todependency on the user. Once a person is hooked to alcohol ordrugs he develops a strong urge (craving) towards it and requiresincreased quantity to satisfy his/her craving. This increased level oftolerance often ends up in psychological and/or physical dependency.Such a person is generally known as alcoholic or addict. When theamount of intoxication is reduced in the blood he may developuneasiness, severe pain, muscle cramps and tremours. This stageis known as withdrawal symptom. In order to overcome the withdrawalsymptom he is forced to use increased quantities of the addictivesubstance and slowly reaches a stage where he cannot survive withoutthe chemical. Such a person so often reaches a pathetic situation inwhich his whole life is affected which include financial debts, seriousemotional and health problems, besides, social degradation. It isvery difficult to overcome such a situation.

What are the Solutions?What are the Solutions?What are the Solutions?What are the Solutions?What are the Solutions?

Controlling and Restricting Controlling and Restricting Controlling and Restricting Controlling and Restricting Controlling and Restricting AAAAAvailabilityvailabilityvailabilityvailabilityvailability

Control and restrict the easy availability ofalcohol and other substances througheffective policies, legislation and enforcement;Ban on advertisement and promotional

1. Brain:1. Brain:1. Brain:1. Brain:1. Brain:Poor concentration, defective memory,

blackouts, brain damage, cerebellardegeneration, injury to peripheral nerves

2. Oesophagus:2. Oesophagus:2. Oesophagus:2. Oesophagus:2. Oesophagus:Oesophagitis, cancer

3.3.3.3.3. Heart:Heart:Heart:Heart:Heart:Hypertension, atheroslerosis,

cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction

4.4.4.4.4. Lungs:Lungs:Lungs:Lungs:Lungs:Chronic chest diseases, carcinoma,

pneumonia, tuberculosis

5. Liver:5. Liver:5. Liver:5. Liver:5. Liver:Fatty liver, liver cirrhosis

6. S6. S6. S6. S6. Stomach:tomach:tomach:tomach:tomach:Vomiting, gastritis, peptic ulcers

7. Kidney:7. Kidney:7. Kidney:7. Kidney:7. Kidney:Dysfunction

8.8.8.8.8. Pancreas:Pancreas:Pancreas:Pancreas:Pancreas:Pancreatitis, carcinoma, diabetes

9.9.9.9.9. Bladder:Bladder:Bladder:Bladder:Bladder:Cancer

10.10.10.10.10. Sex Organs:Sex Organs:Sex Organs:Sex Organs:Sex Organs:

MalesMalesMalesMalesMalesLoss of libido, impotence

FemalesFemalesFemalesFemalesFemalesBreast cancer, ovary impairment,

menstrual problems, infertility

= =

winewhisky beer

Why should we learn about Why should we learn about Why should we learn about Why should we learn about Why should we learn about Alcohol &Alcohol &Alcohol &Alcohol &Alcohol &SubstSubstSubstSubstSubstance ance ance ance ance Abuse?Abuse?Abuse?Abuse?Abuse?

We live in a world where alcohol, drug andother substances are freely available. Dayto day stress and other unexpected lifesituations including disasters and tragediesmay prompt us to take alcohol and othersubstances. So it is important to be aware aboutthe dangers of alcohol & substance abuse.

What is What is What is What is What is Alcohol?Alcohol?Alcohol?Alcohol?Alcohol?

Alcohol is a clear highly volatile liquid with a harsh burning taste. It isavailable in different forms like toddy, arrack, beer, wine, brandy,

rum, whisky, gin, vodka etc., based onit’s production, strength, flavour andcolour. Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) is theintoxicating substance in all alcoholicbeverages and the strength varies indifferent forms of alcohol. The amount

of alcohol in one peg of spirit is equivalent to that of one glass of wineand half pint of beer.

What are Drugs?What are Drugs?What are Drugs?What are Drugs?What are Drugs?

Drugs are available in various forms and they are addictive in nature.Most of them may lead to severe dependency. The commonlyavailable drugs are cannabis or ganja and their products (hashish,charas & ganja oil); opium and their products (heroin, brown sugar,smack etc.); prescription drugs such as pethidine, morphine,diazepam, buprenorphine etc. Tobacco products like cigarettes, beedi,pan masala are also commonly used.

Why people use Why people use Why people use Why people use Why people use Alcohol & Drugs?Alcohol & Drugs?Alcohol & Drugs?Alcohol & Drugs?Alcohol & Drugs?

Most of the people start taking alcohol & other drugs just for fun,entertainment or to be sociable. Many are drawn towards by peerpressure of friends or relatives. To satisfy curiosity, relieve boredom,experience pleasurable feelings - these are some of the major causes.

Easy availability and ignorance aboutthe health hazards and consequences

of alcohol and substance use alsotempt several towards it.There are also severalmyths prevailing in thecommunity, particularlyamong those living in thecoastal areas, tribal