Do you know that drug abuse can harm each and every organ of a human’s body? Drug use and addiction are on the rise in Pakistan, especially in the young population. These disorders have been linked to many short and long-term diseases. Let’s have a look at some of the harmful effects of drug use and abuse in this health blog.
What is Drug Abuse?
The use of some chemicals to produce pleasant effects on the brain is referred to as drug abuse or substance abuse. There are different methods to do drug abuse which can include oral intake and drug use by injections. The severity of drug dose can be determined by the method of usage.
According to the National Drug Abuse Assessment of 2006/2007, 6.48 million Pakistanis have drug usage issues, and approximately 125’000 inject drugs.
Types of Drugs Used for Abuse
Drugs that are used for abuse can be classified into three types:
Depressants
Sleeping pills (barbiturates) and heroin are examples of depressants, which produce a depression of the brain’s capabilities.
Brain Stimulants
Stimulants promote brain stimulation, resulting in enhanced alertness and bursts of activity. A quick heart rate, dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, and behavioral changes such as excitement and poor judgment may occur.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens produce hallucinations as well as an “out of this world” sense of disconnection from oneself. They can produce sensory distortion, paranoia, delusion, and even despair.
Symptoms of Drug Use and Abuse
The symptoms of drug use and abuse can be both behavioral and physical. Some of them have been listed below:
- Constant itching in a specific area of the body
- Impulsive pulling down of sleeves to hide marks
- Slurred speech
- Frequent sniffling
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of interest in personal grooming
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Pinpoint or dilated pupils
- Abnormal puffiness
- Flushed-out color
If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms of drug abuse visit a doctor as soon as possible. Book an appointment with the Best Medical Specialists in Pakistan Online now!
Harmful Effects of Drug Use and Abuse on Health
Some of the adverse effects of drug use and abuse on health include the following:
1. Lung Disease
Drugs like cocaine and inhalants can lead to respiratory issues and cause severe lung damage. Excessive use of these drugs can cause:
- pneumonia
- lung infections
- asthma
- emphysema
- bronchitis
- tuberculosis
- damage to the nasal passages
2. Heart Problems
According to the American Heart Association, drug abuse can have harmful consequences for the heart. It can cause disorders ranging from irregular heartbeats to heart attacks. Injecting illicit narcotics can also result in cardiovascular issues such as blocked veins and bacterial infections of the blood arteries and heart valves.
3. Brain Damage and Stroke
Brain damage caused by drug or alcohol usage can vary from slight cell damage to serious physical damage, such as brain hypoxia caused by overdose. Some of these effects of drug abuse, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and dementia, can be severe and/or long-lasting. Some other brain injuries that can occur as a result of excessive drug usage can be:
- seizures
- stroke
- asphyxiation
- respiratory arrest
- hypoxic brain damage
Also, read more about Drug Addiction In Pakistani Youth – Leave Now Or Suffer Later.
4. Weakened Immune System
Drugs like marijuana and cocaine are intoxicating substances that can damage many different types of cells in the body, which might eventually impair the immune system. Marijuana usage lowers the body’s capacity to fight illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa. Because of the immune system’s decreased capabilities, it may also limit the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. It can also cause upper respiratory difficulties and reduced immune system response to infections in that area.
5. Liver Damage
Since the liver’s primary function is to drain out and neutralize toxic substances and poisons that enter the body, active drug addiction would effectively require the liver to work much harder than usual. Drug addiction can result in a variety of liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis.
6. Mental Health Issues
Drug abuse can worsen and even cause new symptoms of mental illness. Alcohol and drug abuse can also interfere with prescriptions such as antidepressants, anxiety meds, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective at treating symptoms and delaying recovery.
Consult a Psychiatrist for Treatment of Drug Abuse
Addiction psychiatrists are trained professionals that consult with patients to identify the causes of their drug or alcohol addiction. They can prescribe medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and treat underlying or co-occurring mental problems if necessary.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top psychiatrists in Lahore through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQs
1. What are the impacts of drug abuse?
Drug abuse can have harmful effects on both physical and mental health.
2. What are the effects of drug abuse on youths?
Drug abuse in the youth can cause adverse effects like liver, heart, and mental health issues.
3. What is the main cause of drug abuse?
The cause of drug abuse can be family history, age, socioeconomic status, or any traumatic event.