Alcohol and Drug Abuse - Symptoms & Treatment

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Aug 21, 2025 03:01 PM IST

Alcohol and drug abuse is the misuse of addictive substances that disrupt brain and body functions. Learn the causes, effects, and prevention strategies, with diagrams, exam weightage, and NEET-level MCQs for Class 12 Human Health and Disease.

Alcohol and drug abuse is a problem of severity to individuals, families, and communities. These drugs usually interfere with the functioning of the brain and the biological systems, thereby causing immense harm to human health. Abuse of alcohol naturally refers to excessive drinking, whereas abuse of drugs is defined as a misuse of either legal or illegal drugs. Alcohol and substance abuse is a major problem in our society, yet it is often overlooked. Many people have suffered from the issue and the solution is to join hands and work together as a team.

This Story also Contains

What is Alcohol and Drug Abuse?
Types of Drugs and Their Effects
Causes of Alcohol And Drug Abuse
Negative Effects of Substance Abuse
Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Tips, Tricks & Strategies to Study the Topic
Exam Weightage and Question Types
Alcohol and Drug Abuse NEET MCQs
FAQs on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Recommended Video On Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

What is Alcohol and Drug Abuse?

Alcohol and drug abuse refers to the excessive, or inappropriate use of substances that negatively affect the brain and body functions. It results in loss of control, and inability to perform normal daily activities. Addiction is the feeling of wanting more and more of the substance. A feeling of euphoria is caused by the consumption of drugs and alcohol. They become habituated to this sense of joy and start taking more drugs and alcohol. The body increases its tolerance level due to the use of drugs and the frequent use of alcohol. As a result, people take more drugs to feel better or even when they are not needed. This habit makes the person repeat the cycle and causes addiction.

Types of Drugs and Their Effects

Most of the drugs are plant-derived, such as opioids, coca alkaloids, and cannabinoids. Synthetic drugs include barbiturates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines. Drugs affect the central nervous system. They change the functioning of the body and cause multiple damages. They alter the feeling of the body due to distorted signals. This causes hallucinations and distorted perceptions. During the influence of drugs, people go for unusual activities.

Causes of Alcohol And Drug Abuse

There are multiple reasons why people turn to alcohol and drugs, including:

Cause	Explanation
Peer Pressure	Social circles can influence behaviour, especially among teenagers.
Stress and Anxiety	Many people misuse substances to cope with emotional or psychological stress.
Genetic Predisposition	Studies have shown that genetic factors may make some individuals more vulnerable.
Availability	Easy access to alcohol and drugs increases the likelihood of abuse.
Curiosity and Experimentation	Especially common in adolescents, driven by the need to explore and experiment.

Negative Effects of Substance Abuse

Rapid heart rate
Slow movement of the body
Throat dryness
Rapid breathing or slow breathing
Impaired senses (smell, sight, hearing, touch)
Substance abuse results in devastating impacts on the physical, physiological, and mental states
No safe dosage for drug intake; long-term use creates tolerance and dependence
During adolescence, young people often initiate drug or alcohol use to relieve anxiety or depression or to gain popularity in their social interactions.
Access to drugs such as tobacco and alcohol serve as a gateway to dangerous use of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin
Adolescents show poor academic performances, friendship change, criminal behaviour and strained family relationships.
Body may show signs like red eyes, frequent coughing, and changes in eating or sleeping pattern
Dependency signs such as black outs, withdrawal signs, loss of functioning in family, school, or work.

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

Know Most Scoring Concepts in NEET 2024 Based on Previous Year Analysis.

Know More

Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Prevention strategies are highly important in combating this ever-increasing problem of substance misuse. Holistic prevention includes all the education, support systems, and healthcare interventions.

Strategy	Description
Education and Awareness	Schools and communities should be educated about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
Parental Involvement	Parents play a crucial role in preventing substance use through communication.
Mental Health Support	Offering counselling and support for stress and anxiety reduces the risk of abuse.
Law Enforcement and Policies	Strict regulations on the sale and distribution of alcohol and drugs are necessary.
Peer Support and Counseling Programs	Rehabilitation centres and counselling help users recover and prevent relapses.

Tips, Tricks & Strategies to Study the Topic

Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams to obtain an impact of substances on brain functioning, neuron communication, and body systems.
Mnemonics: The kinds of drugs can be recalled with the use of a mnemonic like "CD-HS" or Cannabis, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Stimulants
Real-Life Examples: Case studies help in relating academic knowledge regarding alcohol and drug abuse to real-life situations.
Flashcards: Flashcards are utilized for remembering causes, effects, and prevention strategies for alcohol and drug abuse.

Exam Weightage and Question Types

The table given below indicates the types of questions and weightage of the topic Alcohol drug abuse prevention control in different exams:

Exam	Weightage	Types of Questions
CBSE Board Exams	3-5%	Short answer questions on causes and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse
NEET	2-3%	MCQs on the biological effects and prevention strategies
Nursing Entrance Exams	2-4%	True/False or scenario-based questions on counselling for substance abusers
Paramedical Exams	3-5%	Case studies on the management of substance abuse

Alcohol and Drug Abuse NEET MCQs

Q1. What is characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating , which may be relieved when use is resumed again ?

Withdrawal syndrome
Biopsy
Alopecia
None of these

Correct answer: 1) Withdrawal syndrome

Explanation:

Withdrawal syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, shakiness, nausea, and sweating, which are often alleviated when the substance is used again. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, requiring medical supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. This highlights the physical and psychological dependence associated with substance use, making professional help essential in managing withdrawal and recovery.

Hence the correct answer is option 1) Withdrawal syndrome.

Q2. Addiction is

Intake of drugs
Intake of tobacco and alcohol
Both (1) and (2)
Physiological or/and psychological dependence

Correct answer: 4) Physiological or/and psychological dependence

Explanation:

When a person becomes physiologically and/or psychologically dependent on a substance, like drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, it is referred to as addiction. The inability to quit using the substance despite negative consequences and obsessive behavior are involved.

The alternatives are broken down as follows:

Drug use: Although drug use can result in addiction, dependency, not merely substance use, is what defines addiction.

Drinking alcohol and tobacco: Just like using drugs, drinking alcohol and tobacco can lead to addiction, but addiction is characterized by a dependence on these substances rather than just their usage.

Both options (1) and (2) cover drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, but reliance rather than consumption is a better way to characterize addiction.

Addiction is properly defined as physiological or psychological reliance. It involves an individual's mental and/or physical dependence on a substance, which results in compulsive use.
Physiological and/or psychological dependence on substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is known as addiction.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Physiological or/and psychological dependence.

Q3. Which drug is being excessively taken by some sports persons nowadays?

Opioids
Barbiturates
Cannabinoids
Lysergic acid diethyl amides (LSD)

Correct answer: 3) Cannabinoids.

Explanation:

Sportspersons who misuse drugs, do so to enhance their performance. They (mis)use narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics and certain hormones in sports to increase muscle strength and bulk promote aggressiveness and as a result, increase athletic performance.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3) Cannabinoids.

Also Read:

FAQs on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

What do you mean by alcohol and drug abuse?

Alcohol and drug abuse refers to the excessive, habitual, or inappropriate use of substances that negatively affect the brain and body functions. It results in loss of control, dependency, and inability to perform normal daily activities. Such abuse not only harms the individual’s health but also impacts family, academics, and society. Long term use can lead to addiction, which is difficult to overcome. Addiction is the feeling of wanting more and more of the substance. People become habituated to this sense of joy and as a result, they take more drugs to feel better or even when they are not needed

What are the causes of substance abuse?

The causes of substance abuse are many. Peer pressure is a major reason among adolescents, where friends may influence one to experiment. Stress, anxiety, and depression often push individuals to seek relief through drugs or alcohol. Genetic predisposition can increase vulnerability to addiction. Easy availability of substances and curiosity about their effects also contribute. Lack of guidance and weak family support further enhance the risk.

What are the effects of alcohol and drug abuse?

The effects of alcohol and drug abuse are both short-term and long-term. In the short term, it impairs judgment, senses, and motor coordination, leading to accidents or poor performance. Continuous use leads to dependency and addiction, making it hard to quit. Long-term abuse causes damage to the liver, lungs, heart, and brain, and weakens the immune system. It also results in academic decline, loss of relationships, and social stigma.

How can alcohol and drug abuse be prevented?

Prevention of substance abuse requires a multi-dimensional approach. Education and awareness programs in schools help students understand the risks early. Parental guidance and involvement play a crucial role in monitoring behavior. Counselling and mental health support provide coping mechanisms for stress. Governments must enforce strict laws and policies to limit the availability of harmful substances. A supportive environment with positive peer influence and healthy activities also reduces risk.

Recommended Video On Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the relationship between alcohol and drugs?

Alcohol and drugs when used together can magnify each other's impact and increase the potential for great risks to health and addiction.

2. What are the warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse in teenagers?

Warning signs include poor academic performance, friends change, criminal behavior, strained family relationships, red eyes, continuous coughing, and changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

3. How does drug tolerance lead to dependency?

The body becomes tolerant of frequent drug-taking. Larger amounts are required to elicit similar effects. This would lead to a cycle of increasing usage up to physical and psychological dependency.

4. How do genetic factors contribute to substance abuse risk?

Genetic factors play a significant role in substance abuse risk. Studies suggest that about 40-60% of an individual's vulnerability to addiction can be attributed to genetics. Specific genes can influence how a person responds to drugs, their likelihood of experimenting with substances, and their risk of developing dependence. However, genetic predisposition doesn't guarantee addiction; environmental factors also play a crucial role.

5. How do environmental factors interact with genetic predisposition in substance abuse?

Environmental factors interact with genetic predisposition in substance abuse through a process called gene-environment interaction. While genes may create a vulnerability to addiction, environmental factors can either trigger or suppress this genetic potential. Key environmental factors include:

6. What is the role of neurotransmitters in addiction?

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in addiction. Drugs of abuse often target the brain's neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine in the reward pathway. They can mimic neurotransmitters, alter their production or release, or interfere with their reuptake. This disruption of normal neurotransmitter function leads to the reinforcing effects of drugs and contributes to the development of addiction.

7. What is the role of the endocannabinoid system in addiction?

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in addiction processes. It consists of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. This system modulates various physiological processes, including reward, motivation, and stress responses. Drugs of abuse, particularly cannabis, can interact with this system, affecting dopamine release in the reward pathway. The endocannabinoid system's involvement in stress regulation and emotional memory formation also contributes to its role in addiction development and relapse.

8. How does substance abuse affect brain development in adolescents?

Substance abuse during adolescence can significantly impact brain development. The adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is still developing until the mid-20s. Drug use during this period can interfere with neurotransmitter systems, potentially leading to long-term changes in brain structure and function. This can result in cognitive deficits, increased risk-taking behavior, and a higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life.

9. How does alcohol affect the central nervous system?

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system. It affects neurotransmitter activity, particularly enhancing the effects of GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and suppressing glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter). This leads to reduced brain activity, impaired cognitive function, and slowed reflexes.

10. What are the short-term effects of alcohol consumption?

Short-term effects of alcohol include impaired judgment, slurred speech, poor coordination, slowed reflexes, blurred vision, and memory lapses. In higher doses, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. The severity of effects depends on factors like amount consumed, body weight, and individual tolerance.

11. How do drugs of abuse affect the brain's reward system?

Drugs of abuse activate the brain's reward system by causing a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This activation is much stronger and more direct than natural rewards, leading to intense feelings of euphoria. Over time, repeated drug use can alter the brain's reward circuitry, leading to addiction.

12. What is tolerance in the context of substance abuse?

Tolerance is a phenomenon where a person needs to use more of a substance to achieve the same effects previously experienced at lower doses. It occurs as the body adapts to the regular presence of the substance, often leading to increased consumption and potentially contributing to the development of addiction.

13. How does withdrawal occur, and why is it potentially dangerous?

Withdrawal occurs when a person who has developed physical dependence on a substance suddenly stops or significantly reduces their use. It results from the body's adaptation to the substance's absence, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms. Withdrawal can be dangerous, especially from alcohol and certain drugs, as it can cause severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and in extreme cases, death.

14. How does binge drinking differ from other forms of alcohol abuse?

Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher, typically occurring when men consume 5 or more drinks or women consume 4 or more drinks within about 2 hours. It differs from other forms of alcohol abuse in its episodic nature and intensity. While not all binge drinkers are alcohol dependent, this pattern can lead to numerous health risks and increase the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder.

15. What is cross-tolerance, and why is it significant in substance abuse?

Cross-tolerance occurs when tolerance to one substance leads to tolerance of another, usually within the same class of drugs. For example, tolerance to one type of opioid may result in tolerance to other opioids. This is significant in substance abuse because it can lead to escalating drug use, as individuals may switch between substances or combine multiple drugs to achieve desired effects, increasing the risk of overdose and other health complications.

16. How does the body metabolize alcohol?

The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol through a process called oxidation. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, which is then converted to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Finally, acetate is broken down into water and carbon dioxide. The liver can process about one standard drink per hour.

17. What is the concept of "kindling" in alcohol withdrawal?

Kindling in alcohol withdrawal refers to the phenomenon where repeated episodes of alcohol withdrawal become progressively more severe. Each withdrawal episode sensitizes the brain, making it more reactive to future withdrawals. This can lead to more intense and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms in subsequent episodes, even with shorter periods of alcohol use or lower amounts consumed. Kindling highlights the importance of proper medical supervision during alcohol detoxification, especially for individuals with a history of multiple withdrawal episodes.

18. What is the concept of neuroplasticity in relation to addiction and recovery?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to form new neural connections and reorganize existing ones. In addiction, drugs of abuse can hijack this natural process, leading to maladaptive changes that reinforce drug-seeking behavior. However, neuroplasticity also plays a crucial role in recovery. As individuals abstain from substances and engage in recovery activities, the brain can form new, healthier neural pathways. This underlies the potential for cognitive improvement and behavioral change during recovery, though it often requires sustained effort and time.

19. What is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, is a more severe condition characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, inability to control drinking, and continued use despite negative consequences.

20. How do stimulants like cocaine affect the body?

Stimulants like cocaine increase alertness, attention, and energy by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They cause a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, elevated body temperature, and constricted blood vessels. Short-term effects include euphoria, increased energy, and mental alertness, while long-term use can lead to cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and addiction.

21. How do opioids affect the body and brain?

Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas, reducing pain perception and producing feelings of euphoria. They slow down breathing and heart rate, and can cause constipation and drowsiness. In the brain, opioids trigger the release of dopamine, creating a sense of well-being. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction.