Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 28: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Many people do not realize that alcohol and tobacco are drugs and can be harmful.
Many kinds of drugs are used in everyday life. In some places, drugs or brewed drinks have a sacred role in traditions. In other places, alcoholic drinks like wine or beer are commonly served with meals. Drugs and alcohol are often part of festive or social events. And some drugs are used as medicines. People usually use alcohol and other drugs because they like the way they make them feel.
Many people use alcohol and drugs throughout their lives without problems. But when someone uses them too much or too often, it can have negative effects on their health and well-being and that of their community.
In this chapter we talk about the problems drugs can cause for anyone, their specific effects on women and people who can become pregnant, and ways to stop using drugs, especially alcohol and tobacco, the most commonly misused drugs in many communities.