Saint Peters University - Counseling and Psychological Services

Alcohol & Other Drug Use Information

Alcohol and other drugs’ effects on the central nervous system is what causes impairment. Whether it is a CNS depressant, like alcohol, or a CNS stimulant, like cocaine or Adderall, the brain’s job is disrupted, causing a variety of side effects, until the alcohol, or drug is processed out of the body, via the blood, by the liver; this takes time.

While the liver works hard to process out the drugs, they continue to affect not only the brain but every organ your blood passes through. It can take years for the effects on the organs to be noticed, but an example of an immediate impact on the brain is blackouts. Blackouts are when we cannot remember something that happened when under the influence. Memories are lost because the brain was so disrupted, by the alcohol/drugs, that information could not be transferred from short-term into long-term memory.

More information about the effects of alcohol and about other drugs.

Alcohol and other drug use can have other consequential effects. Research shows that misuse of alcohol and other drugs can increase the risk of relationship conflicts, poor school/work performance, heightened anxiety or depression, sexual assault, and increased accidents resulting in physical harm to self or another to name just a few. Too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, a state that can lead to death if gone untreated. Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person drinks faster than the liver can process it out.

Signs include: vomiting, irregular breathing, mental confusion, stupor/passing out, cannot be roused, hypothermia (low body temperature, person feels cold and clammy), bluish skin color, paleness, seizures, and death. It is important to get help because from the outside you have no idea what is happening on the inside; remember the brain is disrupted, and it is the brain that tells the lungs to breathe and the heart to pump. You can help someone by calling for help, staying by their side, and rolling them onto their side to avoid choking in the event they vomit.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: NJ passed the 911 Lifeline Legislature to protect those seeking help. Addictions.com also provides free addiction resources to those in need.

There are protective measures that can reduce risk if taken. Pace and measure your drinks, don’t leave a drink unattended, don’t drink and drive, have an exit plan, assign a designated driver, avoid mixing alcohol and medications, use a buddy system (go together/leave together), drink water, avoid drinking games and pre-gaming which speeds up the intake of alcohol.

Alcohol pacing and measurements