Drugs have been a part of our culture since the middle of the last century.
[the_ad id=”6114″]
Popularized in the 1960s by music and mass media, they have become the greatest bane to humankind. A number of factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, stress, mental trauma etc, could lead one to use drugs. Compulsive drug use eventually leads to addiction. Let’s understand the immediate and long term effects of drug abuse to our brain, body and life.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
The impact of drug abuse and dependence are profound and affect almost every organ in the human body. Some common effects are:
- Weakens the immune system, increasing your susceptibility to infections.
- Sharing needles puts you at the risk of diseases like Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV.
- Cardiovascular conditions such as abnormal heart rate and heart attacks.
- Nausea, vomiting, unusual sleep patterns and abdominal pain.
- Liver damage.
- Seizures, stroke and permanent brain damage.
- Drug related injuries from accidents, violent behavior, etc.
EFFECTS ON YOUR BRAIN
Drug abuse can have prolonged effects on one’s brain, interfering with their ability to make decisions. It leads to compulsive craving, seeking and use of drugs – leading to “Drug Dependency”.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Drug abuse is an increasing, intense desire to use the drug above all else. Getting your hands on the drug can take up your entire mental focus. Some even resort to illegal, criminal and other violent means to obtain the drugs. Few Psychological effects of drug abuse are:
- Paranoia
- Anxiety Disorder
- Depression and Schizophrenia
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations
- Addiction
- Impaired Judgment
- Impulsiveness
- Loss of Self-Control
BIRTH DEFECTS
Pregnant women who indulge in drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, and heroin pose various risks to the fetus, in the form of premature delivery, withdrawal symptoms in babies, birth defects, learning and behavioral problems.
Drug abuse in any form is bad for your health. Stay away from drugs and anybody who offers them to you. If you are an addict or know someone who is, get them help as soon as possible. If you are a recovering addict, in remission stage, avoid all forms of temptations.
There is abundant help available for drug users. It is important to identify the signs and get them the right kind of help.
Source:
