Alcohol or drug abuse or withdrawal and change in mental alertness

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Alcohol or drug abuse or withdrawal and change in mental alertness

The use of alcohol or illegal drugs can cause intoxication, drunkenness, stupor, and loss of consciousness. If you are a heavy user, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking or using drugs. Depending on your drug or alcohol history, withdrawal can be quite serious.

A health professional can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment. Prompt treatment can prevent complications. Ongoing treatment may be necessary to help you recover from a drug or alcohol problem.

If you have swallowed, inhaled, or injected a substance that might be poisonous, call a poison control center immediately. Have the container of the substance with you so you can tell them what it is. The poison control center will tell you what to do next. If a poison control center is not available in your area, call 911 .

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Updated	February 27, 2007

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Last updated:	February 27, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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