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 possibly poisonous substance, call a poison control centre immediately. Have the poison container with you so you can tell them what it is. The poison control centre will tell you what to do next.

Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 17, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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