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Addendum B: Effects of Alcohol and Controlled Substance Use <br />The following information provides a general overview of the effects of alcohol and controlled <br />substances use on an individual's health, work, and personal life; signs and symptoms of an alcohol or a <br />controlled substances problem (the driver's or a co-worker's); and available methods of intervening <br />when an alcohol or a controlled substances problem is suspected, including confrontation, referral to <br />any employee assistance program and/or referral to management. <br />This information combined with your Company's substance abuse policy complies with all Federal, State, <br />and Local regulations and/or laws that apply to governing drug-free workplace programs. If you have <br />any questions regarding your Employers' policy, please contact the Designated Employer <br />Representative(s) (DERs) named in your Company's Drug -Free Workplace Policy. <br />Please note that alcohol use, drug abuse, and controlled substance are interchangeable throughout this <br />information. <br />Effects of Alcohol <br />In American society, alcohol is a legal drug. Nonetheless, it is a depressant and is the leading drug of <br />abuse. Alcohol abuse is responsible for about half of all auto collisions in this country. It is also the most <br />widely used drug. It is a contributing factor to problems in the workplace including diminished <br />productivity and increased absenteeism. <br />FACT., A 5 ounce glass of wine, a 12 ounce can of beer, and a 1-1/2 ounce shot of hard liquor all <br />contain the same amount of alcohol. Each one-half ounce of alcohol takes the average body <br />about one hour to process. Cold showers, exercise, and coffee do not quicken the sobriety. <br />A central nervous system depressant, alcohol first acts on those parts of the brain that affect self-control <br />and other learned behaviors. It impairs alertness, judgment, coordination, and reaction time. It lowers <br />inhibitions and a person's inability to divide attention. If taken in large amounts alcohol can cause <br />damage to the liver and heart, and can cause permanent brain damage. Heavy drinkers shorten their <br />lives in half. <br />Signs and Symptoms of Abuse: <br />Dulled mental processes <br />— Lack of coordination <br />— Slowed reaction time <br />— Poorjudgment <br />— Reduced inhibitions <br />Health Effects: <br />Decreased sexual functioning <br />— Liver disease <br />— Increased cancers of the mouth, <br />tongue, pharynx, esophagus, <br />rectum, breast, and skin <br />— Kidney disease <br />Ulcers <br />— Elevated blood pressure <br />— Weakens muscles <br />