Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts. The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other drugs also pose a serious threat to health. The use of marijuana also may cause lung damage, paranoia, and possible psychosis. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairment in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. The use of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens may cause nervous system disorders and possible death as the result of an overdose.
Illicit inhalants can cause liver damage.
Heavy use may result in chronic depression and suicide and also may be associated with the abuse of other drugs. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described. Even occasional heavy drinking may be associated with the harmful effects described above. Binge drinking, which occurs over an extended period of time, involves repeated use of alcohol to the point of intoxication.