Health Risks Abuse of alcohol and use of drugs are harmful to one's physical, mental and social well-being. Accidents and injuries are more likely to occur if alcohol and drugs are used. Alcohol and drug users can lose resistance to disease and destroy their health. Tolerance and psychological dependence can develop after sustained use of drugs. Alcoholism is the number one drug problem in the United States.
Alcoholism takes a toll on personal finances, health, social relationships and families.
It can have significant legal consequences. Abuse of alcohol or use of drugs may cause an individual driving a motor vehicle to injure others and may subject the user to criminal prosecution. Drunk drivers are responsible for more than half of all traffic fatalities. More specifically, the major categories of drugs are listed below and include the significant health risks of each. Many community agencies are available to assist employees and students seeking alcohol and drug counseling or treatment.