(b) Other neuropsychiatric conditions associated with alcohol
consumption include alcoholic hallucinations, delirium tremens (acute mental
disturbances marked by pain, sweating, tremors, and visual and auditory
hallucinations), and various convulsive disorders.
(6) Early warning signs of alcoholism. A drinking problem usually develops
over a period of time. There are almost always warning signals. An individual may be
on the way to alcoholism if he:
(a)
Is difficult to get along with when he is drinking.
(b) Drinks because he is depressed.
(c)
Drinks until he is "dead drunk" at times.
(d) Drinks to calm his nerves.
(e) Can't recall some drinking episodes.
(f)
Hides liquor.
(g)
Lies about his drinking.
(h) Neglects to eat when he is drinking.
(i)
Neglects his family when he is drinking.
(7) Treatment. If you come in contact with a person who is an alcohol
abuser, refer him to your local drug abuse counselor. If no such person exists in your
area, notify the officer in charge.
c. Barbiturates. Barbiturates are powerful sedatives which were introduced in
the 1930s. These drugs have legitimate medicinal uses. They are prescribed by
doctors to calm patients and/or induce sleep. Their action, like alcohol, is to slow down
the central nervous system. Properly used, the drug makes the patient feel relaxed,
drowsy, and sleepy. If taken incorrectly, barbiturates can result in physiological and
psychological dependence and even death. Examples of barbiturates include
phenobarbital, secobarbital, and pentobarbital. Users of barbiturates can easily take a
fatal overdose, either intentionally or accidentally, because excessive use leads to
deterioration of a person's problem-solving ability. Additionally, increased use of
barbiturates does not lead to increased tolerance of barbiturates. Because a user is not
thinking clearly and because there is no way to build up a tolerance for barbiturates, he
may take too much or the right amount too soon with tragic results.
MD0586
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