Using illicit drugs or abusing legal drugs leads to a number of serious effects on the body. When these substances are used for longer periods of time, the effects increase in number as well as severity. Many of the most popular drugs cause physical and mental deterioration that many users may not even be aware of.
Organ Damage
Alcohol: It is well known that alcohol overconsumption leads to liver damage that may result in cirrhosis. If this occurs the user will likely need a liver transplant to recover. Additional effects include pancreatitis, nerve damage and death.
Crystal Meth: After long-term use crystal meth can lead to a number of physical side effects including brain damage, stroke, body sores, feelings of bugs crawling under the skin or even coma.
Cocaine: Long-term use of cocaine may lead to kidney damage and ulcers. Snorting it can lead to loss of smell, nosebleeds, hoarseness and erosion of the septum.
Mood Changes
Ecstasy: Long term use of the drug leads to irreparable damage to the serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin levels are responsible for feelings of well-being, learning, sleep and mood. Lacking the ability to properly process this neurotransmitter can thus leave the user severely impaired.
Mental Effects
Alcohol: Despite its many known negative effects, alcohol is a legal drug, thus it is frequently and easily abused. Long-term abuse leads to brain damage that may develop into more severe disorders.
Crystal Meth: Long term mental effects of crystal meth include psychosis and hallucinations.
Dependency
Marijuana: Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. As such, many users assume its familiarity results from no negative effects due to its use. To the contrary, withdrawal symptoms and dependency are the most common. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, sleeplessness, increased anxiety and decreased appetite. In addition, many users have a diminished sense of motivation and drive.
Crystal Meth: As compared to other drugs, most users of crystal meth report becoming addicted after trying it only once. Once you become dependent, it is nearly impossible to quit on your own. It’s important to seek out a professional drug rehab center for help getting clean and sober.
Systemic Effects
Prescriptions: Prescription drugs are often used for purposes other than their intended use. When this occurs, the effects may be fatal, especially when combined with alcohol. Specific effects depend on the individual drug, but most effects include dependence, trouble sleeping, depression and various physical ailments.
Cocaine: Long-term use of cocaine may lead to heart arrhythmias, strokes, seizures, ulcers, heart attacks or death. Injecting the drug may lead to collapsed veins, severe infections and allergic reactions.
Unfortunately many occasional drug users become addicts. Once addicted, users may not realize they have developed the disease. As tolerance builds up, so does their risk for developing the most serious effects from their drug of choice.
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