Why alcohol or drugs are harmful for investigations

Abel Garcia

Tampa Bay Paranormal Examiner

August 26th, 2010 3:37 pm ET

Problems related to alcohol and drugs

The consumption of alcohol can lead to severe problems such as alcohol abuse or psychosis (hallucinations) in which can be negative for investigators or researchers (Larson, 2010). A person that is intoxicated or in withdraw can suffer the effects of psychosis even 12 hours after the last alcoholic beverage (Larson, 2010). According to the World Health Organization it is estimated that 76 million people in the world suffer from an alcohol disorder (About Alcohol Abuse, NA).

The abuse or use of amphetamines and cocaine lead to a drug induced psychosis which last a few days (Psychosissucks, 2006). The drug’s amphetamines and cocaine is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, memory loss and confusion (Psychosissucks, 2006). Other drugs like marijuana leave a person vulnerable to psychosis depending on the abuse or vulnerability of that person (Psychosissucks, 2006). The use of drugs leaves a person vulnerable to a withdraw psychosis in which the person will hallucinate while in withdrawal.

Remaining in control while investigating or researching

The use of alcohol or drugs while in a highly persuasive environment such as paranormal investigations or research sites leave a person extremely vulnerable to “Power of Suggestion”. While under the influence an investigator is at a higher chance of falling victim to the “Power of Suggestion” due to being impaired. The investigator or researchers always need to maintain a clear state of mind to make accurate judgment calls, be able to logically collect data and maintain creditable collection methods.

Reference

About Alcohol Abuse (NA) Alcohol Abuse Statistics, Retrieved August 24, 2010 from www.about-alcohol-abuse.com

ehealthforum (NA) Why Does Alcohol Cause Hallucinations Even Hours Later?, Retrieved August 24, 2010 from eheathforum

Larson, M.F. DO (2010, July 19) Alcohol-Related Psychosis, Retrieved August 24, 2010 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289848-overview

Psychosissucks (2006) Substance use and Psychosis, Retrieved August 24, 2010 from http://www.psychosissucks.ca/epi/substanceuseandpsych.cfm