Substance Abuse

Many addictions have long-lasting, life-destroying effects. There are treatments available and under development to help individuals to free themselves from these dependencies, intoxications and addictions.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disorder characterized by pathological pattern of alcohol use that causes a serious impairment in social or occupational functioning

Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

Ethylene glycol is an alcohol mainly used as automotive antifreeze. In a pure form, it is odorless, colorless and syrupy in consistency, with a sweet taste. It is toxic and accidental ingestion is considered a medical emergency. Because of its sweet taste, children and animals will sometimes consume large quantities of the liquid. Symptoms of poisoning include dizziness, slurred speech and confusion followed by heartbeat and breathing irregularities. This eventually may lead to kidney failure.

Methanol Poisoning

Methanol is a sweet alcohol which is often used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel and denaturant for ethyl alcohol. It becomes toxic as the liver breaks it down into formaldehyde, which causes destruction of the optic nerve and blindness. Poisoning can also be fatal due to its depressant properties. Methanol can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation or absorption. Symptoms include depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness and eventually death. It takes, however, several hours for toxic effects to begin so medical treatment should be sought immediately to receive an antidote.

Narcotic Addiction

Drug addiction is considered a pathological state. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute drug use to the development of drug-seeking behavior, the vulnerability to relapse and the decreased, slowed ability to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli. By definition, drug addiction differs from drug dependence and drug tolerance.

Opium Addiction

Opium is a narcotic derived from the unripe seed of the opium poppy. It is usually smoked or ingested and produces general sedative, painkilling effects. Opium derivatives are pharmacologicallly used as strong pain killers, such as in cancer therapy. Opium has been used since the time of the Assyrians and was brought to Europe in the early 17th century by Asian traders along the Silk Road. It has since been banned in most parts of the world, though it is still illegally cultivated around the world in places like Afghanistan. Interestingly enough, opium poppies are often grown for their beautiful flowers and the seeds are dried out and often sweetened for use on breads and pastries.