Dangers of cocaine and crack include damage to the respiratory and immune systems, malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function. If abused or misused, they can lead to sluggishness or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, liver and kidney damage, addiction and brain damage. Dangers of overdose are coma and death. They vastly distort what is seen and heard, and cause sudden and bizarre changes in behavior. They have rebound' effects such as loss of concentration, memory or behavior problems even when the dose has worn off.
Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.
Alcohol, though legal, is the most commonly abused substance in the workplace. It is a concern to the University when its use affects the workplace. The biggest effects are loss of work time and lateness, loss of concentration and judgment leading to dangerous or problem behavior. Alcohol is a depressant. It depresses the central nervous system and can cause serious physical damage.