The Most Addictive Drugs and How Substance Abuse Can Ruin Your Life
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Substance abuse can disrupt your life in many ways. It can ruin your relationships, affect your health, and harm your life on a regular basis. Imagine being very dedicated to your work and, due to some work or family pressure, you start taking drugs. You were not able to handle the pressure, and hence, to deal with this, you are now relying on different drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc. Stay tuned, as this blog will guide you through some of the most addictive drugs and their effects on your health.
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse or drug abuse refers to the use of any drugs to a certain amount which becomes harmful to an individual or others. This is a severe issue and can later have long-term effects on someone’s social and personal life.
As per the UNODC, more than 35 million around the globe are addicted to drugs. 30% of the jump was noticed from 2009 to 2020, and around 269 million were abusing drugs in the year 2018.
Alcohol
What are the Short-term Effects of alcohol?
Just after consuming alcohol, it is absorbed by your bloodstream in the blood vessels of the small intestine or stomach lining. It then reaches your brain, where it starts to show its effects.
The short-term effect of alcohol relies on various aspects, such as:
- The amount of alcohol and how quickly it is consumed.
- The sex, weight, and body weight percentage of a person.
- Whether or not you have eaten.
A few of the short-term effects are:
- Impaired motor skills and coordination
Alcohol affects your nervous system and brain. It can make it tough for you to walk, talk or react. This increases the chances of injuries or accidents.
- Vomiting and Nausea
Alcohol can bother your stomach and make you feel sick. This can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.
- Headache
Alcohol can expand and contract the blood vessels in your brain, which can lead to intense headaches.
- Loss of consciousness
Alcohol can suppress your central nervous system. This makes your heart and breathing rate slow. Drinking excessive alcohol can make you unconscious, and you might get alcohol poisoning.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol?
- High chances of liver diseases like cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis
- High risks of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease.
- High risks of brain damage like neuropathy, stroke, or dementia.
What are the signs of alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning is an emergency, and one must immediately seek help from a healthcare professional in such situations. The signs of alcohol poisoning are:
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Irregular breathing
- Skin that looks pale, blue, or grey
- Hypothermia – low body temperature
Cocaine
Cocaine is an addictive stimulant substance derived from the coca plant. Its usage is associated with serious health risks and social problems, including substance abuse, physical and mental health disorders, and criminal behavior. Therefore, law enforcement agencies worldwide regulate its use and distribution. It can be smoked, snorted, or injected.
What are the short-term effects of cocaine?
- Euphoria
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Paranoia
What are the long-term effects of cocaine?
- Trouble feeling pleasure
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sleeping issues or insomnia
- Suppressed appetite, weight loss, malnutrition
- Infertility and sexual dysfunction
What are the signs of a cocaine overdose?
- A rise in body temperature
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Violent muscle tremors
- Elevated heart rate
Marijuana
Marijuana is one of the most addictive drugs and is legal in many regions. It is derived from the cannabis plant. It has various effects on one’s mind and body.
What are the short-term effects of marijuana?
Marijuana affects you by activating the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. A few of the short-term effects are:
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Changes in mood
- Temporary memory loss
- Lack of coordination
What are the long-term effects of marijuana?
Marijuana can have a significant effect on your brain, specifically if taken on a daily basis. Some of the long-term effects are:
- Lower IQ and cognitive impairment
- Higher chances of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Respiratory problems like lung infections, bronchitis, and persistent cough.
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate might also raise the risk of stroke or heart problems.
What are the signs of marijuana overdose?
- Intense panic or anxiety attacks
- Psychotic reactions like paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations
- A rapid heart rate, heart attack or chest pain.
- Uncontrollable shakes or seizures
- Sudden headache with high blood pressure
- Unresponsiveness
Tobacco
Tobacco plants contain nicotine, which can lead to addiction and many health issues. It can be chewed, smoked, applied to the gums, and snorted. It can lead to various health issues.
Short-term effects of tobacco are:
- Irritation of the throat, lungs, and mouth.
- Tighten blood vessels
- Decreased oxygen supply to your body
- Higher chances of blood clots
- Stained teeth and bad breath
Long-term effects of tobacco:
- Cancer of the throat, lungs, and other organs.
- Blood vessel issues, heart disease, and stroke.
- Lung diseases, asthma, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain.
- Bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease.
- Birth defects, reduced fertility, sexual dysfunction.
- Hair loss, premature aging, and wrinkles.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a stimulant drug that can lead to hallucinogenic effects on your body. It can also be called Mandy, Molly, or MDMA. It can have various harmful effects on your body. Some of the short-term effects are:
- Confusion
- Sleep issues
- Depression
- Serious anxiety
- Drug cravings
- Muscle Tension
Some of the long-term effects are:
- Brain damage affecting your memory
- Kidney Failure
- Psychosis
- Cardiovascular Collapse
Heroin
Opium poppy plants produce a narcotic drug called an opioid, which is used for pain relief. Heroin is derived from this substance. However, due to its addictive nature, it should only be taken under medical supervision. It produces a feeling of euphoria, sedation, and drowsiness.
Short-term effects
- Intense feeling in your limbs
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Dry mouth and itching
- Blurred vision and small pupils
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
Long-term effects
- Damages the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.
- Skin infections and collapsed veins.
- Irregular menstrual cycle and decreased sex drive
What are the symptoms of a drug overdose?
- Loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness
- Stopped breathing or trouble breathing
- Blue fingers or lips
- Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
- Irregular body temperature.
- A drug overdose is an emergency and needs instant attention. If anyone has overdosed on any kind of drug, call a healthcare provider right away.
Conclusion
Substance abuse is a severe issue and can have a devastating effect on your well-being. It might also lead to addiction, and you may require professional help to get rid of it. If you or someone you know is struggling with this, seeking help is recommended. You can find a specialist online on Cellmaflex and book an appointment.
Don’t allow substance abuse to ruin your carnival celebrations or your life. Everybody deserves a fulfilling and healthy life, and Cellmaflex can help you achieve that.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
For more information about substance, see below:
Cleveland Clinic – Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
WebMD – What is Substance Abuse
Medical News Today – What are the effects of drug misuse?
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Substance misuse
