Have you ever gotten into trouble for "overdoing it"? Let's talk about intoxication!

Have you ever seen someone act strangely after taking a little too much, like at a party? Maybe they slur their words, or they can't even stand up straight. Or, have you ever used something, whether you knew it or not, that changed your behavior and way of thinking? That's what we simply call "intoxication." Let's talk about this in a little more detail today.

What is intoxication? Let's understand it simply!

Simply put, intoxication is a temporary state that occurs when we ingest something like alcohol or other psychoactive substances. In this case, your:

• The level of consciousness can vary. Some people may simply feel drowsy, while others may lose consciousness.
• Mental abilities such as thinking, understanding, and memory (cognition) may weaken. It becomes difficult to think clearly and make decisions.
• The way things look, sound, and feel (Perception) can change. Some things may look or sound different than they actually are.
• Mood can change suddenly. You may feel euphoric, or you may suddenly feel angry or sad.
• Behavior changes. Some people shout loudly, become aggressive, or take unnecessary risks.
• You lose your balance and coordination . You can't walk properly, and things fall out of your hands.

Imagine, you're not the way you normally are, it's like your whole system is a little "messy" because of these substances.

This intoxication is usually short-lived . However, how long it lasts depends on several factors. For example:

• How much of that substance did you use?
• Whether you used more than one type of substance (this is very dangerous!).
• Your body composition.
• your age .
• Your overall health .

Over time, when you stop using the substance, the nature and effect of this intoxication gradually diminishes and eventually disappears completely .

Usually, mild intoxication does not require medical treatment . However, if the intoxication causes problems (e.g., aggressive behavior) or accidents (e.g., falls), medical treatment may be needed. Severe intoxication, such as poisoning or overdose (e.g., alcohol poisoning or opioid overdose), can be life-threatening .

What kinds of things cause intoxication?

Intoxication can be caused by any substance that can affect our mind. This includes things like:

• Some illegal drugs, such as heroin and LSD, are also known as Schedule I drugs, meaning they are highly addictive and have no medical use.
• Some medications prescribed by doctors, especially those classified as `Schedule II, III, IV, V drugs`. These are medications that should be used with control.
• Some medications can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription, for example, some cough syrups.
• Inhaling fumes from certain cleaning agents, such as bleach.
• Some household items, such as paint thinners and glues.

Specifically, here are some substances that can cause intoxication:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines, a class of tranquilizers, or Benzos
• Cannabis / Marijuana
• Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant
• Opioids, a class of painkillers (e.g. tramadol, morphine)
• Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, magic mushrooms)
• Inhalants (e.g., gasoline, gum)
• Nicotine (contained in tobacco)
• Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, Methylphenidate (Ritalin®))

What are the symptoms of intoxication?

The symptoms of intoxication can vary from person to person. It depends on what substance you took and how much you took. Because intoxication affects the functioning of our nervous system, it can cause both physical symptoms and mental and behavioral changes (symptoms).

Some of the mental and behavioral symptoms are:

• Aggression, violence `(Aggression)`
• Agitation
• Anxiety, fear
• Decreased consciousness, drowsiness, lethargy
• Feeling of extreme happiness (Euphoria)
• Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling of hyperactivity, increased energy
• Memory issues
• Sudden mood swings (Mood lability)
• Paranoia is an unreasonable fear or suspicion that others will harm you.
• Motivation to do risky work

These can be seen as physical symptoms:

• Balance and coordination issues
• Blurred vision
• Changes in body temperature (either overheating (Hyperthermia) or overheating (Hypothermia))
• Constricted or dilated pupils
• Flushed face
• Changes in heart rate, for example, tachycardia
• Increase or decrease in blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech / Dysarthria

These symptoms can range from mild to severe . The symptoms of mixing more than one substance can be unpredictable and very dangerous. If someone you are with becomes unconscious, has difficulty breathing, or is unable to function normally, seek medical attention immediately.

How does this intoxication occur? What happens inside our bodies?

Simply put, addiction occurs because the substances we take interfere with the way our brains work . In more scientific terms, these substances affect the way our nerve cells (neurons) send, receive, and process information to each other. This information is exchanged through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Humans have over 100 types of these `(Neurotransmitters)`. These perform many important functions in our nervous system, especially in the brain. For example, `(Monoamine neurotransmitters)` like `(Serotonin)` and `(Dopamine)` control our consciousness, thinking, attention, and emotions.

Each substance affects specific ``neurotransmitters'' in our brain in different ways. That's why each substance has its own unique symptoms of intoxication.

Intoxication can be something that is done consciously or unconsciously . For example, many people drink alcohol to experience the intoxicating effects it provides. Also, sometimes young children can become intoxicated by ingesting a substance without realizing it.

What are the complications that can occur due to intoxication?

Moderate intoxication usually does not cause significant harm to our health. However, the effects of intoxication (such as loss of balance, impaired decision-making) can cause some problems. These include:

• Injuries: When intoxicated, there is a greater risk of injury to oneself or others. Intoxication that causes excessive aggression can lead to violent acts.
• Worsening of underlying health conditions: Intoxication with some substances can worsen underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease and mental health problems.
• Risk of Addiction and Substance Use Disorder: Continued use or misuse of any substance can lead to addiction. The euphoria experienced when intoxicated is a major cause of addiction.
• Problems at work and in relationships: Changes in thinking and behavior caused by intoxication can affect your job and can also disrupt your relationships with others.
• Legal issues: In some cases, being intoxicated can lead to legal consequences. For example, driving under the influence (DUI). Also, being intoxicated can impair your judgment, making you more likely to break the law recklessly.

Important: If addiction is affecting your life, or if you are concerned that you may be developing a substance abuse problem, it is important to seek professional help. Talk to a doctor. There are also specialized organizations and counseling services that can help with these types of problems, which you can explore.

Should I see a doctor if I'm drunk? How do I recognize this?

Usually, there's no need to do anything special to "recognize" intoxication. However, if you go to the emergency room for another problem while you're intoxicated, or if you've been intoxicated unintentionally, doctors will want to know what's in your body.

At that time, doctors can do things like blood tests and urine tests to find out what substances are in your system. For example, they can do blood alcohol level (BAL) tests or drug tests.

It's very important that if you're in the hospital and you're drunk, you tell the doctors honestly about what you've been using. Because the symptoms of intoxication can be similar to the symptoms of many other medical conditions. So if you're honest, the doctors can rule out other problems and treat you properly.

How is intoxication treated?

By definition, the main way to "treat" alcoholism is to take time and stop using the substance . How long this takes varies from person to person. As mentioned earlier, unless the alcoholism has caused any injuries or medical complications, medical treatment is usually not necessary.

However, in cases of severe intoxication, that is, poisoning or overdose, immediate medical treatment is required.

When should I talk to my doctor about intoxication?

If you are concerned or suspect you may be addicted to substances, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. He/she can guide you on the right treatment options and where to get help.

When should you go to the hospital immediately for intoxication? (Emergency!)

If something like this happens to you or someone you know, you should immediately call 1990 (in Sri Lanka, the Suwaseriya Ambulance Service) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department:

• If you have suffered a serious injury (e.g., a severe head injury, a broken arm or leg).
• If you feel like harming yourself, if you talk like that, or if you try to harm others.
• If you are showing signs of severe intoxication (poisoning or overdose).

These are the common symptoms of severe intoxication:

• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.
• Seizures.
• Persistent vomiting and diarrhea.
• Severe changes in mental state (behaving strangely, not understanding anything).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Blue color of the lips and skin (Cyanosis).

How to prevent unintentional intoxication?

There are several things you can do to prevent unintentional intoxication:

• Take your prescribed medication exactly as directed: Your doctor will prescribe the medication in the exact dosage and for it to help you medically, not to make you intoxicated. Never take more than the prescribed amount. If you have trouble remembering whether you have taken your medication or not, write it down somewhere, or use an app on your phone.
• Keep medicines and other substances out of reach of small children: Keep medicines, cleaning products, and other harmful substances out of reach of small children (and pets), either securely packed, on top, or in a locked cupboard. Small children can be intoxicated even with very small amounts.
• Stay safe in social settings: If you're planning to drink alcohol with friends, take a few safety precautions. For example, don't leave your drink unattended, and don't accept drinks or food from strangers. If you feel "unsafe" or unsafe, immediately ask someone you trust for help.

The most important thing to remember from what we've talked about!

Intoxication is a vague intermediate state between your normal functioning and being poisoned or overdosed by a substance. Some people want to experience intoxication consciously. But it can also happen unconsciously.

Remember, always think about safety when using any substance, and know your limits. If you are concerned about addiction, or if you feel like you have "had more" than you think, it is best to seek medical help as soon as possible. You are not alone, and there are many people who can help. Staying healthy and happy is what matters!

` Intoxication, intoxication, drugs, alcohol, poisoning, symptoms, safety