Drug abuse has numerous effects on a person and can negatively impact physical and mental health and how a person behaves in a social setting.
Depending on the drug or substance abused, subjects can experience a long list of symptoms. Some cause drowsiness and slowed breathing, while others cause insomnia and extreme paranoia. Chronic drug use can lead to various cardiovascular issues or kidney and liver disease. Substance abuse treatment is highly recommended before the onset of these symptoms.
In addition to the physical effects drug abuse can have on a person, it can also significantly impact a person’s mental health, relationships, and work-life. Mental health experts assigned to a patient’s case find the correct treatment to suit the individual’s needs. They will assess the patient’s case and proceed from there.
Medical professionals are also responsible for bringing awareness to patients about the short-term and long-term effects drug abuse can have on the mind and body. The effects can vary according to the substances used, the length of time abused, and the individual’s health history.
Short-Term Effects of Drug Abuse
Drugs are chemical compounds made to affect the mind and body, and when taken without moderation, they can harm the way a person carries him/herself. The effects will vary according to the individual, the drug in question, dosage, and how they ingested it.
Using any drug out of moderation or not according to the prescription can have short-term effects on a person. These effects include some of the following and can vary according to the individual.
- Change in appetite
- Insomnia or restlessness at night
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Slurred speech
- Decreased cognitive ability
- Temporary euphoric feeling
- Loss of balance/coordination
Impact On Everyday Life Suffered By Abuser
Drugs can affect how an individual considers themself, cares for their health and hygiene, and any relationships they choose. These aspects dictate the way the individual lives their everyday life and can affect the following;
- Using affects their ability to cease using the drug.
- Their inability to maintain any beneficial relationships.
- Using affects their academic or work performance and motivational drive.
- Using affects everyday habits such as maintenance of personal hygiene and appearance.
- Using drugs changes the appearance of the person, e.g., extreme weight loss.
- Lack of interest in a person’s activities or hobbies that The individual once considered attractive.
- Using accelerates impulsive behavior that involves dangerous or harmful situations.
Long-Term Psychological Effects Suffered By Addicts
Chronic drug abuse is a dangerous disorder that can permanently alter a person’s brain structure and how it processes information and instructs the body. Drug abuse can result in long-term psychological effects such as;
- Depression sometimes chronic
- Anxiety
- Panic disorders and panic attacks
- Aggressive tendencies and extreme mood swings
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Memory, concentration, and disrupted learning abilities
- Sleep loss, insomnia, and associated problems
- Brain damage and Schizophrenia
Physical Effects
The long-term physical effects of drug abuse vary according to the drug and the duration of use. Chronic drug abuse links various severe health conditions, including;
Cardiovascular Disease
Drugs are known as stimulants, including cocaine and meth, have been proven to impact the heart and damage blood vessels severely and negatively.
The use of drugs increases the brain’s dopamine levels and forces the body to function under immense pressure, and causes the heart to work harder.
The body can not function under these conditions for long periods without risking the possibility of coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart attacks.
Respiratory Problems
Drugs requiring smoking or inhalation methods to provide the desired high can cause damage to the respiratory system, resulting in respiratory infections and diseases.
These drugs include opioids which slow a person breathing by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system that regulate respiration.
By altering a person’s respiratory functioning negatively, individuals will suffer from slowed or heavy breathing. By taking larger doses alongside other drugs, breathing can stop entirely.
Kidney Damage
The Kidneys are an organ that plays a vital role in filtering out toxins and excess minerals found in the body. Heroin, ketamine, and cannabinoids prohibit the kidneys from functioning correctly, resulting in kidney damage or kidney failure.
Liver Disease
Abusing drugs or alcohol can damage the liver’s active cells and lead to inflammation, scarring, or even the possibility of liver failure.
How To Get the Right Help
Taking the first step can be extremely daunting at first, but once you’ve crossed the line, you’ll find a supportive community that has been designed to help you and will assist you every step of the way.
When seeking help for drug abuse, misuse, or addiction, you should find a medical professional that you feel comfortable sharing with, and you must trust in them to help you find the proper treatment for you.
Contact your local specialist or speak to your doctor about the possible options. Healthcare professionals will recommend a treatment facility or refer you to a specialist who will help you overcome your disorder and get your life back on track.
It’s worth noting that you or your family member is not the first person to suffer from addiction, and they won’t be the last. Help is at hand if you or your loved one is ready to take the step required to recover and enjoy a lasting healthy life.
