Severe effects from substance misuse cont.
– Be sick or soil themselves – Have pale or blue-tinged skin (if they have a fair skin tone), or pale or blue-tinged skin on the inside the lips, on the gums, and under the fingernails (if they have a dark skin tone) – Breathe slowly or irregularly – Have a seizure or fit – Lose consciousness (296) Alcohol withdrawal refers to the symptoms a person experiences when they stop drinking or drink substantially less than usual. It is not simply a hangover. Unmedicated alcohol withdrawal may lead to seizures or other serious medical complications. Drug intoxication , similarly to alcohol intoxication, can lead to impairment or distress. The effects vary depending on the type and amount of drug, and vary for each young person. It can be difficult to make a distinction between the effects of different drugs. Illegal drugs can have unpredictable effects, as they are not manufactured in a controlled way. Treat any worrying signs, no matter how small, as a crisis. Drug overdose occurs when the intoxication level leads to risk of death. Sudden death may occur as a result of inhalant use due to heart failure. This is more likely if a young person becomes agitated or engages in physical exertion, e.g. the person gets frightened and runs away. All drugs will have different effects, and a young person who has had an overdose due to any drug may: – Be drowsy, dizzy, or physically weak – Slur their words or be unable to speak – Be unable to coordinate movement, for example, being unable to stand, walk, or pick things up
Page 312
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker