Health Consequences of Drug Abuse

Health consequences of drug abuse can be both short and long-term. Not only do the health consequences of drug abuse affect the drug abuser, they also can affect his friends, family, and even strangers. In addition, side effects of drug abuse occur whether prescription drugs are the offending substance, or whether illicit drugs are being abused. Mixing drugs with alcohol can also have devastating effects, causing even more of a danger and elevating the risk of an overdose.

Some of the most abused drugs are anti-anxiety drugs and barbiturates. When abused, these drugs can cause coma, seizures, and respiratory failure. Side effects of drug abuse involving marijuana include problems with thinking and reasoning, possible damage to the lungs, abnormal heart rate, and suppressed immune function. Marijuana smoke can also cause respiratory problems for those living with someone who smokes it, as passive smoke may be just as harmful as active smoking.

Abusing cocaine can cause seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and tremors. In addition, the effects of drug abuse involving cocaine can cause damage to the insides of the nose, nosebleeds and paranoia. These health consequences of drug abuse can even be experienced when taking cocaine for the first time. It is an extremely dangerous drug and even the slightest ingestion can cause major medical events. Other illegal substances such as LSD can contribute to psychosis, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. In addition, LSD can cause depression, hallucinations, and thoughts of suicide.

Those addicted to amphetamines can encounter very serious consequences of drug abuse which may include seizures, tremors, and psychosis. In addition, amphetamines can cause high blood pressure, an elevated and erratic heart rate, visual disturbances, and headaches. Amphetamines may cause panic attacks and cause the individual to feel as though he is having a heart attack. In certain people, amphetamines may also cause dizziness, excessive sweating and impotence.

Drug addition is very serious sand those who are addicted should seek the help of an experienced health care professional. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol should not be afraid or ashamed to seek treatment. There are many effective treatment options available for people suffering from the health consequences of drug abuse, both in outpatient settings or inpatient settings. Although it may be difficult for those addicted to drugs to see the light at the end of the tunnel, they need to know that there is always hope, no matter how bad they feel their problems are.