Drug Abuse and Its Consequences

Drug misuse and substance abuse refer to any misuse of substances that produces a pleasurable effect on the brain. Drug use is on the rise worldwide, especially among young adults under 30; the epidemic is rapidly spreading. Drug users who use needles are at risk of contracting HIV as well as hepatitis B and C infections besides the long-term harm they cause to their bodies.

Causes of Drug Abuse

There are many reasons why people take psychoactive medications, including:

• For recreational purposes
• The influence of curiosity and peer pressure particularly among young people and children.
• To inspire creativity
• The recreational use of prescription painkillers could have caused their addictive nature.
• Drugs been used in religious activities or ceremonies

Effects of Drug Abuse

1. Health Problems

Every aspect of your body is affected by drug and alcohol usage, from your heart to your gut. Injection of drugs can cause collapsed veins and infections in your heart valves, as well as irregular heart rhythms and heart attacks.There are some medications that can inhibit bone growth and others that may weaken your muscles and cause severe cramps. Long-term drug use can also damage your liver and kidneys.

2. Legal Altercations

Drug and alcohol addiction can have long-term legal ramifications as well as harmful health consequences. Many employers ask you to take a drug test before hiring you, and many of them continue to test you at random after you start working for them. Refusing to give up drugs may result in you losing your job, which will bring with it further problems.Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also result in a six-months  to two-year suspension of your driver’s license. You’ll have to pay hefty fines and possibly serve time in prison as well.

3. Injuries and Death

When you consume drugs and alcohol, you are more likely to be injured in a vehicle accident. You are also more likely to commit suicide or commit homicide when you consume these substances.Drug-related deaths have increased by more than double since the early 1980s. Each year, too much alcohol leads to the injuries of 5.2 million people and the deaths of 1.8 million people. Around one out of four deaths is attributed to drugs and alcohol, according to the World Health Organization.

Types of Drugs

The following three categories of misuse drugs exist:

1. Depressants. Among depressants are sleeping pills and heroin, which significantly weaken the functioning of the brain.
2. These stimulate the brain and increase alertness and bursts of activity. These symptoms may include dilated pupils, a rapid heart rate, nausea, and elevated blood pressure, as well as behavioral abnormalities including impaired judgment and agitation. In extreme cases, amphetamine and cocaine usage can cause delusional psychosis.
3. Hallucinogens. These produce hallucinations and feelings of disconnection from this world resulting in paranoia, delusions, and even despair. LSD, ecstasy, and mescaline are examples.

Skyward Treatment Center Can Help You!

Please contact Skyward Treatment Center if you have any questions concerning drug abuse or how to assist a loved one who is suffering from drug addiction.