INTOXICANT
Definition
An intoxicant is a substance that causes intoxication, a physiological state which results from the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other chemicals. The most common intoxicants are alcohol and drugs, including illegal drugs, but other chemical substances such as solvents have the same effect. The effects of intoxication range from mild to severe and can lead to impairment of physical and mental functioning, altered states of consciousness, and even death.
History
The use of intoxicants has been documented throughout human history. Alcohol has been used since ancient times, while the use of drugs has had a more recent history. Ancient Mesopotamian texts describe the use of alcoholic beverages, while the Sumerians and Babylonians used opium. In ancient Greece and Rome, wine and beer were widely consumed, and in some cases were even considered sacred. In the Middle Ages, alcohol was an important part of daily life, while the use of recreational drugs was largely confined to the upper classes. The use of recreational drugs such as opium and cocaine increased in Europe during the 19th century, and the use of drugs has continued to increase in recent decades.
Characteristic
Intoxicants are psychoactive substances that have the ability to alter consciousness and perception. They affect the central nervous system and can cause a range of physical and psychological effects. Common effects include relaxation, disinhibition, increased alertness, impaired judgment, and altered perception of time and space. Intoxicants can also cause impaired motor functioning, slurred speech, and decreased coordination. In some cases, intoxication can lead to unconsciousness or even death.
Conclusion
Intoxicants are substances that cause intoxication, a physiological state which results from the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other chemicals. The effects of intoxication range from mild to severe and can lead to impairment of physical and mental functioning, altered states of consciousness, and even death. The use of intoxicants has a long history, while the use of recreational drugs has become increasingly common in recent decades. Intoxicants can have a range of physical and psychological effects, including relaxation, disinhibition, impaired judgment, and altered perception of time and space.
References
Babor, T., Caetano, R., Casswell, S., Edwards, G., Giesbrecht, N., Graham, K., … Room, R. (2010). Alcohol: No ordinary commodity: Research and public policy (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Hall, W., & Degenhardt, L. (2009). Adverse health effects of non-medical cannabis use. The Lancet, 374(9698), 1383-1391.
Mendelson, J. H., & Mello, N. K. (Eds.). (2009). The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Human Nervous System. New York, NY: Academic Press.
Spencer, S., & Brown, J. (2011). The pharmacology of recreational drugs. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1445-1464.