The effects of substance abuse depend on the type of substance and the amount of substance a person is using as well as their medical history. Substances are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body of the consumers. The exact effect varies from person to person and also depends on the drug, dosage and delivery method. When a person uses any drug even in moderation or according to medical prescription, the person might suffer short-term effects of that drug.
Short Term Effects
After consuming one or two mild serving of alcohol a person might get mild intoxication and feel relaxed and sleepy. Nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products raises the blood pressure and enhances alertness. Opioid prescribed by doctors for pain relief can cause drowsiness, shallow breathing and constipation.
According to the professionals of the top rehabilitation clinics, a person with addiction problems must seek the help of the therapists as soon as possible to get rid of their addiction problems as it might affect aspects of a person’s life beyond their physical health.
Long Term Effects of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, especially over an extended period can have a number of long-term health effects which can be psychological as well as physical.
- Psychological effects: Chronic use of substances can alter a person’s brain structure and function and result in long-term psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, panic disorders, increased aggression, paranoia and hallucinations.
- Physical effects: The long-term effects of substance use depend on the type of substance and the duration of use. However experts suggest that chronic substance use might result in the following health conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease: Some stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines can damage the heart as well as the blood vessels of the consumers. The long-term use of such drugs might lead to coronary artery disease, arrhythmia and heart attacks.
- Respiratory problems: Substances that are used for smoking and inhaling can affect the lungs and lead to chronic respiratory infections and diseases.
Opioids can create issues while a person is breathing by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system that help in regulating respiration. A person may even stop breathing entirely, if he takes a large dose of opioid or takes it alongside other drugs such as sleep aids or alcohols.
- Kidney damage: Heroin, ketamine and synthetic cannabinoids can cause kidney damage or kidney failure.
- Liver Disease: Chronic substances and alcohol use can damage liver cells which might lead to inflammation, scarring and even liver failure.
Fighting Substance Menace
These days with the treatments of the reputed rehab centers, individuals with addiction issues can easily fight and get rid of their addiction problems. The top rehab clinics offer rehabilitation options as well as alcohol home detox treatments as there are many individuals who want to seek alcohol addiction treatments privately from their homes. In these treatments the individuals are offered with counseling sessions, medical treatments, advice and support from the professional team of the rehab centers. Every person must get the best treatments if they have addiction problems in order to lead a happy and healthy life.
