The moment you consume alcohol, smoke, take a pill, or use any other chemical substance, you’re making a conscious choice to introduce potentially harmful elements into your system. Sometimes, in the throes of emotion or under peer pressure, it may feel like the right thing to do. But it’s crucial to understand that addictive substances jeopardize both your health and life.
Currently, over seven million individuals grapple with drug abuse, and it accounts for one in every four deaths. Moreover, drug usage is linked to more health-related issues, disabilities, and fatalities than many other health concerns. Those misusing these substances face increased risks, from accidents to domestic violence and unintentional injuries. (1)
So, how do these drugs harm the human body to such an extent?
Impact of Drugs on the Body
Drugs disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Even those considered beneficial, like marijuana, or prescribed medications, such as Adderall, can have negative consequences. Consuming addictive materials on a regular basis puts both your physical and mental wellbeing on the line.
Substance misuse can heighten the risk of numerous health issues, including respiratory distress, coma, stroke, blood anomalies, panic attacks, and more. Regular drug use can lead to signs of exhaustion, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system.
Research indicates that individuals who delay seeking treatment for addiction can expect a reduced life expectancy—perhaps only 15 to 20 years. So, if drug use began at 18 and one doesn’t seek help from reputable facilities like Heal Behavioral Health, life expectancy may not stretch beyond 40. (2)
Sadly, a mere 14% of adults battling substance addiction sought assistance last year. Given the drastic implications of drug misuse, this figure remains alarmingly low. However, it’s never too late. Recognizing a problem early can expedite the recovery process, allowing an opportunity to rebuild one’s life. (1)
Health Consequences of Addiction
Substance addiction can spawn a myriad of health disorders and consequences. The severity depends on the specific drug, its frequency, and dosage. Addiction can impact every organ in the body. (3)
Some prevalent health effects include:
- Declining Brain Health: The brain’s structure encourages repetition of pleasurable activities, whether it’s eating or exercising. Addictive drugs exploit this mechanism. With continuous use, the drug alters the brain’s chemistry, requiring increased doses to achieve the same effects. Over time, the brain’s dependence on the substance makes quitting challenging. Withdrawal symptoms can be tough, but they are surmountable. Over the long term, drug addiction can cause memory issues, cognitive impairments, and other mental disruptions. Alcohol can heighten dementia risk, inhalants can rapidly deteriorate brain cells, and marijuana may result in short-term memory issues. (2)
- Heart and Kidney Issues: Drug use can adversely impact the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats or even heart attacks. Injected drugs may cause veins to collapse or induce bacterial infections in the heart and blood vessels. Drugs like marijuana, inhalants, methamphetamine, steroids, cocaine, and heroin can harm your heart. (4) Additionally, drugs like MDMA and other psychoactives can hinder the body’s temperature regulation, potentially causing hypothermia, dehydration, and eventual kidney damage.
- Increased Cancer Risk: Smoking substances such as tobacco or marijuana is linked to various cancers, including those of the mouth, stomach, and lungs. Secondhand smoke also elevates the risk of lung cancer. To reduce cancer risks, consider quitting smoking and learn effective detoxification methods.
- Risks During Pregnancy: Substance misuse during pregnancy can have grave consequences for both the mother and baby. The chemicals in drugs and alcohol can harm the unborn child. Pregnant women using drugs risk harming their babies due to the direct effects of the substance and other behaviors like poor nutrition. Drugs can lead to premature births, and babies born to addicted mothers can face birth defects and developmental issues.
Conclusion
Substance addiction is a major health risk. It can compromise brain function, cause irreversible organ damage, and even pose risks to unborn children. Recognizing and confronting an addiction is the first step towards a healthier future. It’s always the right time to choose a fresh start. Seek medical support without delay.
