How Does It Affect Your Health?

There are both short and long-term effects of substance abuse that a person experiences, "Different substances affect the body in different ways, but all psychoactive drugs have chemical effects in the brain" (Crane, 2018). The short-term effects depend on the amount that is used, the purity or intensity of the drug, and whether it is combined with any other substance. Not only can drugs affect you physically, but also mentally and emotionally. "As the body adapts to the presence of a substance, it requires increasing amounts of it to experience the desired results, a process known as tolerance" (Crane, 2018). Here are some commonly used substances and how it affects a user.

Alcohol

Some short-term effects of alcohol addiction include:

  • Mood swings
  • Impaired judgement
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Slurred speech
  • Memory issues

Increased sociability and euphoria can often be results of low intoxication. However, if intake is not limited, it can result in dangerously low pulse and breathing rate. Excessive drinking can also cause blackouts or the person to forget the events that occurred while intoxicated (Crane, 2018).

Long-term effects of alcohol:

  • Many types of cancer, such as liver, mouth, and throat cancer.
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • High blood pressure
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Weakened immune system
      • As the immune system is weakened, a person becomes more susceptible to numerous illnesses/diseases, this worsens their well-being and health even more.


Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens such as DMT, LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and peyote (mescaline) all change a person's thoughts, emotions, and consciousness, and can cause many of the same effects (short-term):

  • Hallucinations
  • Synesthesia, or mixing of senses.
  • Intensified perceptions.
  • Heart palpitations
  • Paranoia
  • Impaired motor control and judgement
  • Although it is rare, "Tripping on a hallucinogen may increase the risk of suicide" (Crane, 2018).

Long-term effects:

  • Psychological dysfunction
  • Serotonin malfunction
  • Problems involving sleep
  • Decreased connectivity between brain areas.

Inhalants

Inhalants are products such as cleaning fluids, spray paint, glue, and markers. These products are often used by adolescents or children since they are easily accessible (Crane, 2018).

Short-term effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Apathy
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Muscle weakness

Long-term effects:

  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Limb spasms
  • Tuberculosis
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinus infections
  • Depression and Anxiety