Health complications are on the increase globally as a result of drug abuse. The effects vary and are dependent on the user, the drug being used, the quantity of the drug being used, and the length of the usage. The symptoms of drug abuse include:
- Continued use of the drug despite the awareness of the danger it poses.
- Loss of inhibition
- Lack of energy
- Change in behavior
- Change in appearance
TOP 10 HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE
- Cardiovascular disease: Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, steroids, and inhalants cause cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic injury, coronary arterial dissection, pneumonia, blood clots, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Drug abuse can negatively affect your digestive system. It can lead to indigestion, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting. Drugs like cocaine and heroin can cause abdominal pain, bowel tissue decay, and acid reflux
- Respiratory disease: Drug abuse can weaken the respiratory system. It increases the likelihood of diseases and infections. Drugs like heroin, inhalants, and ketamine can cause cancer, emphysema, and bronchitis.
- Neurological problem: Drug abuse can alter brain chemistry. Drugs like cocaine, ketamine, heroin, and methamphetamine can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, seizures, stroke, and aggression. Drug abuse can affect the thoughts, feelings, and mood of a person
- Skeletal disorder: Drug abuse impacts the skeletal system by affecting its ability to absorb and utilize calcium. Drugs like inhalants and psilocybin can weaken the bones and muscles. It can also lead to muscle cramping.
- Reproductive system issues: Drug abuse can abuse the testosterone and estrogen levels in the body. Drug abusers may experience sexual dysfunction.
- Excretory system problem: Drug abuse can negatively affect the elimination of unnecessary waste in the body. It can cause organ failure, diarrhea, sepsis, and constipation.
- Damage to the immune system: Drug abuse leads to loss of inhibition and this, in turn, makes people to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or sharing needles. Drug abuse weakens the immune system and it leads to diseases
- Lung and kidney damage: Drug abuse overwhelms the liver. It affects its ability to metabolize nutrients and it causes inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It can also clog the kidney and hinder its ability to detoxify the body. Drugs like heroin, inhalants, and cannabinoids can lead to kidney failure
- Death: Drug abuse can lead to death.
TREATMENT OF DRUG ABUSE
- Medication: You can treat drug abuse by using medications such as methadone, naltrexone, and bupropion. These drugs and others can help ease withdrawal symptoms in persons who abuse drugs.
- Psychotherapy: Psychologists can help treat drug abuse by talking to the abusers. They can help drug abusers to better understand their feelings, moods, and behaviors.
- Hospitalization: Some drug addicts have to be hospitalized if they are to get better. Hospitals can force and help them to cope without drugs.
- Behavioral therapy: This is when positive reinforcements are used to help drug abusers develop their coping mechanisms
- Support groups: These groups provide support and accountability to drug abusers. An example of a support group is Alcohol Anonymous.
Drug addiction is detrimental to the body and can devastate a person physically and mentally. Many drug abusers develop a tolerance for the drugs they abuse. They increasingly need more of the drug in their quest to maintain their euphoric high. Medical professionals or diagnostic labs can tell you more about the consequences of drug abuse.
