Severe effects from substance use If the young person is using alcohol or other drugs, it is possible they will experience acute effects from intoxication, poisoning, withdrawal, overdose, overheating, or dehydration. It is important to act quickly to avoid significant physical and mental health consequences, both short-term and long-term. Associated crises Suicide thoughts and behaviour , aggressive behaviour . Although aggressive behaviour is rare, sometimes a young person experiencing severe effects from substance misuse may threaten violence. Signs Alcohol intoxication substantially impairs a person’s thinking and behaviour. When intoxicated, a young person may engage in a wide range of risky activities, such as having unprotected sex, getting into arguments or fights, or driving a car. A young person intoxicated by alcohol may have slurred speech, impaired movement or coordination, or have increased difficulty carrying out basic tasks. They may also display behaviours such as inappropriate laughter or false levels of confidence. Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous level of intoxication that can lead to death. The amount of alcohol that causes alcohol poisoning is different for every person. A young person who has been poisoned by alcohol may: – Show extreme confusion – Slur their words or be unable to speak – Be unable to coordinate movement, for example, be unable to stand, walk, or pick things up
Page 311
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker