Drug Fact Sheet: Alcohol
History Alcoholic beverages have existed almost as long as human civilization. Ancient Egypt, China, Greece and India all have alcoholic drinks dating back thousands of years. Just like today, they used fermented grain, fruit juice, or honey to make ethyl alcohol/ethanol. Over the centuries alcoholic beverages have ranged from being very mild to very strong. In the 18th century the British government encouraged the production of spirits and unwittingly created a widespread alcoholism problem. By the 19th century drunkenness had become unseemly and there was a lot of public illwill towards alcohol. Prohibition was instituted in many countries in the early 20th century and was largely ineffective. Now, each country in the world has its own laws and regulations around alcohol consumption. Some have low age requirements like Germany where the legal drinking age is 16. Others are completely dry countries due to religious observance like Saudi Arabia. Effects Mild consumption of alcohol is not necessarily bad, however it is not without its effects on the body. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This is noticeable when people under the influence of alcohol are slow to react, have slurred speech, or have troubles walking in a straight line. Short term negative impacts are dehydration, impaired judgement, and even blacking out. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to many serious health problems. Alcohol is processed in the liver, and overconsumption means placing the liver under stress. Long term alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and eventual liver failure. Alcohol also damages many other areas of the body including the pancreas and digestive system. Treatment Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the USA and Canada. It is hardly surprisingly considering almost every adult social (and often work) gathering will be held at a place that serves alcohol. In the USA up to 40% of patients in large urban hospitals are there with illnesses that have been caused or exacerbated by drinking alcohol. However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in the USA states that “alcohol problems can yield to scientifically-based medical and psychosocial intervention in the same way as other health conditions are responsive to prevention and treatment”. There are many approaches to treatment, and it often comes down to what the individual responds to best. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, please use our directory to find the nearest resources. References: Alcoholism: Natural History and Background The Effects of Alcohol on Your Body Short and Long Term Mental Effects of Alcohol Alcohol: A Short History Your Checklist When Looking for Addiction Treatment The post Drug Fact Sheet: Alcohol appeared first on Canada Drug...
Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization
The federal Liberal caucus has recently released 39 resolutions for consideration at the upcoming Liberal Convention in Halifax in April. Among the resolutions are two that relate specifically to mental health and addiction. First, the Liberal MPs are calling for the decriminalization of possession and consumption of all illicit substances in Canada. Second, that mental health services are included in the Canada Health Act and Medicare. Decriminalization of illicit substances The call for decriminalization points to Portugal’s success with expanding treatment and harm reduction services in conjunction with eliminating criminal penalties for low level possession and consumption of illicit drugs. Portugal implemented these changes in 2001 which has given a large enough timeline to show success or failure. Since 2001 deaths from drug overdose, as well as underage use have decreased which the number of people in treatment has increased. They have also seen a drop of 60% in people arrested and seen in court. It is easy to see how the savings in the criminal system could be transferred over to the health sector. The rising overdose deaths and categorical “epidemic” that Canada is experiencing is evidence enough to warrant a change. The data from Portugal also shows that this shift has longevity. Currently we are having those with substance use issues incarcerated with no rehabilitation so the cycle repeats itself. Portugal’s emphasis on health means those using substances are offered treatment as soon as they are found in possession, as opposed to Canada’s hard to navigate and access treatment system. Mental health care to join Medicare The inclusion of mental health services in both Medicare and the Canada Health Act is something that makes so much sense it’s surprising its not already a reality. Many Canadians have a hard time finding affordable mental health care. Separating mental from physical health is an outdated ideology that is being shown to be detrimental to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. The Liberal caucus is proposing to “amend the Canada Health Act and develop a national framework to ensure the inclusion of mental health services within Medicare”. By comparison, BC’s NDP government has created a whole new ministry for mental health instead of expanding the existing ministry of health. If this resolution is accepted at the April convention, it will be interesting to see which of this ideology’s proves successful; integration or segregation of services. April’s convention in Halifax is the first since the Liberal party’s new membership policy. Anyone can register for free to be a party Liberal and take part in policy development, conventions, and vote. Registration is currently open for anyone looking to attend the convention. References: Liberal MPs urge dropping criminal penalties for all illicit drug use Liberal Policy Resolutions Liberal caucus proposes decriminalization of illegal drug use, simple possession Current BC Government Strategies to Tackle Mental Health and Addiction The post Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization appeared first on Canada Drug...
Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization
The federal Liberal caucus has recently released 39 resolutions for consideration at the upcoming Liberal Convention in Halifax in April. Among the resolutions are two that relate specifically to mental health and addiction. First, the Liberal MPs are calling for the decriminalization of possession and consumption of all illicit substances in Canada. Second, that mental health services are included in the Canada Health Act and Medicare. Decriminalization of illicit substances The call for decriminalization points to Portugal’s success with expanding treatment and harm reduction services in conjunction with eliminating criminal penalties for low level possession and consumption of illicit drugs. Portugal implemented these changes in 2001 which has given a large enough timeline to show success or failure. Since 2001 deaths from drug overdose, as well as underage use have decreased which the number of people in treatment has increased. They have also seen a drop of 60% in people arrested and seen in court. It is easy to see how the savings in the criminal system could be transferred over to the health sector. The rising overdose deaths and categorical “epidemic” that Canada is experiencing is evidence enough to warrant a change. The data from Portugal also shows that this shift has longevity. Currently we are having those with substance use issues incarcerated with no rehabilitation so the cycle repeats itself. Portugal’s emphasis on health means those using substances are offered treatment as soon as they are found in possession, as opposed to Canada’s hard to navigate and access treatment system. Mental health care to join Medicare The inclusion of mental health services in both Medicare and the Canada Health Act is something that makes so much sense it’s surprising its not already a reality. Many Canadians have a hard time finding affordable mental health care. Separating mental from physical health is an outdated ideology that is being shown to be detrimental to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. The Liberal caucus is proposing to “amend the Canada Health Act and develop a national framework to ensure the inclusion of mental health services within Medicare”. By comparison, BC’s NDP government has created a whole new ministry for mental health instead of expanding the existing ministry of health. If this resolution is accepted at the April convention, it will be interesting to see which of this ideology’s proves successful; integration or segregation of services. April’s convention in Halifax is the first since the Liberal party’s new membership policy. Anyone can register for free to be a party Liberal and take part in policy development, conventions, and vote. Registration is currently open for anyone looking to attend the convention. References: Liberal MPs urge dropping criminal penalties for all illicit drug use Liberal Policy Resolutions Liberal caucus proposes decriminalization of illegal drug use, simple possession Current BC Government Strategies to Tackle Mental Health and Addiction The post Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization appeared first on Canada Drug...
Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry
February is Black History Month, so it’s a great time to look at the contributions to the mental health and addiction field by black Canadians and Americans. Dr Solomon Fuller was the first black psychiatrist recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. He graduated from medical school in 1897, and his main study interests were Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and manic depression. Dr Fuller studied under Dr Alzheimer in Munich for a year, and continued his work in neuropathology once back in the USA. He worked as a psychiatrist and consultant at Westborough Hospital, and an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Medicine. There is now The Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center in Boston. The beginnings of schizophrenia The term schizophrenia only came about in 1910. Swiss psychiatrist Paul Eugen Bleuler chose the Greek words schizo (split) and phren (mind). He chose those to refer to the symptoms of dissociation or ‘loosening’ of thoughts and feelings. This new term was to counteract the existing concept that these patients were experiencing premature dementia. Schizophrenia sufferers were previously considered to be having mental deterioration and it was presumed they would eventually act as someone with dementia. At the same time a clearer idea of schizophrenia was developing, so was our understanding of Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia. Dr Alois Alzheimer, who Dr Solomon Fuller studied under in 1904, first saw physical changes to the brain in someone with Alzheimer’s in 1906. Schizophrenia today Over one hundred years later, the medical community still has much to learn about the brain and its functions. Although, the development of anti-psychotic medication has greatly improved the lives of modern schizophrenia sufferers. Still, schizophrenia and manic depression are often present in those with concurrent disorders. Concurrent disorders occur when someone is struggling with both substance use and a mental health disorder. Over half of people with schizophrenia have had a substance use problem at one point, and up to 90% have a nicotine addiction. It is now believed a more holistic approach is required to help those suffering with both addiction and mental health successfully. References: 21 medical pioneers to celebrate this black history month Schizophrenia Society of Canada Brief history of schizophrenia Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet Solomon Carter Fuller: First black psychiatrist What are concurrent disorders The post Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry appeared first on Canada Drug...
Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry
February is Black History Month, so it’s a great time to look at the contributions to the mental health and addiction field by black Canadians and Americans. Dr Solomon Fuller was the first black psychiatrist recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. He graduated from medical school in 1897, and his main study interests were Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and manic depression. Dr Fuller studied under Dr Alzheimer in Munich for a year, and continued his work in neuropathology once back in the USA. He worked as a psychiatrist and consultant at Westborough Hospital, and an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Medicine. There is now The Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center in Boston. The beginnings of schizophrenia The term schizophrenia only came about in 1910. Swiss psychiatrist Paul Eugen Bleuler chose the Greek words schizo (split) and phren (mind). He chose those to refer to the symptoms of dissociation or ‘loosening’ of thoughts and feelings. This new term was to counteract the existing concept that these patients were experiencing premature dementia. Schizophrenia sufferers were previously considered to be having mental deterioration and it was presumed they would eventually act as someone with dementia. At the same time a clearer idea of schizophrenia was developing, so was our understanding of Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia. Dr Alois Alzheimer, who Dr Solomon Fuller studied under in 1904, first saw physical changes to the brain in someone with Alzheimer’s in 1906. Schizophrenia today Over one hundred years later, the medical community still has much to learn about the brain and its functions. Although, the development of anti-psychotic medication has greatly improved the lives of modern schizophrenia sufferers. Still, schizophrenia and manic depression are often present in those with concurrent disorders. Concurrent disorders occur when someone is struggling with both substance use and a mental health disorder. Over half of people with schizophrenia have had a substance use problem at one point, and up to 90% have a nicotine addiction. It is now believed a more holistic approach is required to help those suffering with both addiction and mental health successfully. References: 21 medical pioneers to celebrate this black history month Schizophrenia Society of Canada Brief history of schizophrenia Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet Solomon Carter Fuller: First black psychiatrist What are concurrent disorders The post Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry appeared first on Canada Drug...
