The 7 Most Important Health Effects of Substance Abuse

There are a variety of direct and indirect effects associated with substance abuse, both short and long term. Several factors affect the effectiveness of the drug, including the type of drug, the amount and type of consumption, and the health of the addict. The health consequences of substance abuse include diet problems, insomnia, impaired decision-making, violence, risk of injury, mental disorders, and other life-threatening illnesses. Unborn babies can experience side effects from substance abuse during pregnancy. The social, economic, and health costs associated with substance abuse and infection are enormous. Get professional help if a loved one is abusing drugs. Consider options like Orange County Drug Rehabilitation to ensure a safe and healthy recreational environment for them.

It is imperative to educate yourself about the consequences. Here are 7 health consequences of substance abuse:

Infection and damaged immune system

Injectable drugs have an extremely high risk of infection, particularly HIV, hepatitis B and C, and several other infections caused by sharing dirty needles. Drugs like cocaine, opioids, steroids, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, etc., are commonly injected which are likely to get infected. Cocaine affects the immune system’s ability to produce leukocytes, which affects the immune system’s response to infection.

Liver and kidney damage

Using tobacco, MDMA, heroin, inhalants, synthetic cannabinoids, nicotine, etc. can cause kidney damage; directly or indirectly through dehydration, dangerous increases in body temperature or muscle breakdown.

In addition to metabolizing nutrients, the liver is also a primary detoxification site for many types of substances. In the case of high drug abuse, the liver can become overloaded with metabolic tasks and its tissue begins to break down. Inhalants, steroids, heroin, etc. can seriously damage the liver and cause hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Cardiovascular and respiratory problems

Cocaine, methamphetamines, and other drugs can affect the cardiovascular system and cause abnormal heart rates, strokes, and heart attacks. Cardiovascular problems such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves can be caused by injecting medication.

Drugs can damage alveoli in the lungs and make the upper airways more susceptible to infection. CNS depressants such as opioids can make breathing shallow or irregular. Sometimes chronically shallow or depressed breathing patterns can damage other organ systems. Both marijuana vaping and nicotine have caused serious lung disease and even death. Vitamin E acetate has been linked to many of these diseases.

Gastrointestinal tract

Chronic marijuana use can sometimes cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition characterized by recurring bouts of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. In addition to causing abdominal pain and intestinal tissue breakdown, cocaine can cause acid reflux, severe constipation, and abdominal pain when used with opioids. There are also some dangerous gastrointestinal effects associated with using cocaine and methamphetamine, such as: In severe cases, ischemic colitis can lead to the death of intestinal tissue, a condition known as intestinal necrosis.

Musculoskeletal problems

The control and strength of the muscles are affected by many drugs such as MDMA, synthetic cathinones, PCP, Rohypnol, etc. Use of steroids during childhood or adolescence, which leads to artificially elevated sex hormone levels, can interfere with bone growth and lead to short stature. The use of PCP can cause severe muscle contractions. In addition, some medications can cause muscle spasms, relaxation, and muscle weakness.

Neurological problems

The euphoric effects of addictive substances are generated in the brain. Some can also damage the brain through seizures, strokes, and direct toxic effects on the brain cell. Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other sedative hypnotics reduce the excitatory brain signals, resulting in a greater sense of calm or relaxation. High doses of benzodiazepines and other sedative hypnotics have also been linked to movement problems, significant cognitive impairment, and memory loss. These changes can hinder experiencing simple joie de vivre, coping with stress, controlling impulses, and making basic life decisions.

Hormonal and mental problems

Heroin, MDMA, steroids, and other drugs can disrupt normal hormone production in the body, resulting in reversible and irreversible changes. Infertility and testicular shrinkage in men, while hair growth and male baldness in women are among these changes.

There are several psychological problems that can result from the chronic use of some medications, including paranoia, anxiety, aggression, depression, hallucinations, and similar problems.

To prevent intoxicating substances from harming physical and mental health, a safe detox with the help of a doctor and a comprehensive rehab program is essential.