Drug abuse can result in various physical illnesses and even fatalities. Drugs come in a wide variety of forms, each with a unique impact on the body. Intoxication, withdrawal, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions are among the most frequent side effects. Memory and attention issues, stroke, and mental confusion are all possible effects of toxic substances. Weight loss, appetite loss, and abdominal pain are additional side effects. Additionally, they can cause cardiovascular issues like blood vessel infections and collapsed veins.
Other Mental Health Problems
Substance abuse can lead to problems in school, work, and relationships and even get a person in trouble with the law. These problems are often co-occurring and can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and self-help measures. Substance abusers may also benefit from joining a support group to help them maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse or going through rehabilitation like Impact Recovery Center Atlanta.
Many individuals with substance use disorders also have underlying mental health problems. In many cases, the drugs are used to cope with these painful emotions and make them feel better. However, they can also make the problems worse. In addition, peer pressure can be a significant factor in drug use, especially for young people. In some cases, a lack of parental supervision or a complex family environment can also increase the risk of addiction.
Intoxication
Intoxication is the state of altered mental and physical capabilities that results from the use of drugs and alcohol. This state is similar to delight, which is the great joy or fortification of human emotions. It also involves a feeling of all-encompassing well-being. For thousands of years, people have sought to achieve this sensation and have often utilized substances that cause intoxication. While it is true that intoxicants can be harmful, they can also be beneficial.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from drugs is a painful and challenging experience. It’s a necessary evil if you want to maintain sobriety in the long term. However, drug withdrawal’s physical and mental symptoms differ for different people. Here are some suggestions to get you through this time.
If you have a medical condition preventing you from withdrawing from drugs, you must seek medical help. Your doctor will check your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse and may ask you questions about your substance use. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you get through the withdrawal process. Although these medications can make withdrawal more comfortable, you should not take them in the hospital.
Heart Disease
How drugs affect heart disease is one of the most important questions for those with it. Different drugs have different effects on the heart and target various symptoms. The best medications will vary depending on your specific condition, prior treatments, and preferences. Additionally, lifestyle changes are often recommended in addition to drugs. A low-fat diet and moderate physical activity are good starts. Other lifestyle changes can include quitting smoking, reducing stress, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Long-term use of opioid painkillers can cause problems in the heart. In particular, drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl have been linked to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. Abuse of these drugs can damage the heart muscle and cause it to become weaker and less able to pump blood. Chronic misuse can also lead to hardening arteries and congestive heart disease. Additionally, injecting drugs can lead to endocarditis, an infection of the heart valve.
Damage To The Outside of Your Body
Drugs can damage the outside of your body in many ways, from acne and dull skin to the loss of vitamins and energy. In some cases, the damage can be reversible, but most drugs have long-term effects on your heart, liver, and brain. Depending on the type of drug, damage to these areas can shorten your life.
HIV/AIDS
Understanding how drugs affect your body and HIV/AIDS is critical in HIV treatment. Fortunately, antiretroviral therapy has improved the lives of many people living with HIV. Since antiretrovirals have been available for over a decade, the number of new opportunistic infections, such as HIV, has dropped dramatically. However, many people who contract HIV are not diagnosed until years after exposure. Sometimes, HIV-infected individuals develop a flu-like illness that may seem like a cold. In other cases, patients may not experience any symptoms at all.
Infections caused by HIV are severe. One of the most common complications is bleeding in the retina. In extreme cases, the retina can even become detached. The problem is so powerful that seven out of 10 people with AIDS develop eye problems. The cause of these problems is unknown, but some doctors believe the problem is related to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus. In addition, HIV can affect the heart and cause inflammation.