Moderate to high doses of alcohol can cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions.
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Long-term consumption of large amounts of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Information on Narcotic's Anonymous is available from the Berkshire Council on Alcohol and Addictions. The Security Department has adopted a program for addressing concerns about underage drinking. The educational component, rather than a punitive approach, will be the main focus of this program. At parties, security officers will take a more active role to assist hosts and identify underage drinkers.