No one is born into this world with the belief that they will become a drug abuser. But according to the PeaceHealth.org website in their article “Alcohol and Drug Problems,” “In the United States and Canada, approximately 40% of adults will use an illegal drug at some time during their lives."
People who use these substances do so in order to experience an altered state of mind. Life might become difficult to deal with and often this is a trigger for self medicating with alcohol and drugs.
“Some people use drugs to get a 'high' or to relieve stress and emotional problems." (PeaceHealth.org)
Although each person has a different reason for why they use drugs, all of them have one thing in common, which is their need to get away from reality. But when does experimenting with drugs and alcohol turn into a need? When a person becomes dependent on these substances and needs them in order to function properly.
“Drug dependence or addiction occurs when you develop a physical or emotional need for a drug. You are unable to control your use of a drug despite the negative impact it has on your life. You may not be aware that you have become dependent on a drug until you try to stop taking it.” (PeaceHealth.org).
People that use drugs not only put their own lives at risk, but their drug abuse can be harmful to other people in their lives. Drug use can lead to drug abuse, and this is when their use has a negative effect in other aspects of the users' lives.
Often drug users will also suffer from many physical and mental ailments caused from years of using and abusing drugs and alcohol. Not only does continuous use of drugs take a toll on the body, mind and soul of a person, but it also causes numerous health problems, including death.
Potential Health Problems of Drug Abuse
Below is a list of various health problems one can expect to experience if they continue to use drugs according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “Addiction and Health.”
- cardiovascular disease
- stroke
- cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- hepatitis B and C
- lung disease
- obesity
- mental disorders
- physical and mental dependency on the substance
Potential Health Problems of Alcohol Abuse Damages
Below is a list of health problems associated with long time alcohol abuse according to the PeaceHealth.org website.
- the liver
- the nervous system
- the heart
- the brain
- can lead to high blood pressure
- physical and mental dependency on the substance
According to The National Institute of Drug Abuse, in their article, “Addiction and Health,” “Drug abuse and mental disorders often co-exist. In some cases, mental diseases may precede addiction; in other cases, drug abuse may trigger or exacerbate mental disorders, particularly in individuals with specific vulnerabilities."
Not only does using drugs and alcohol directly affect the physical health of an individual, but it also puts them in a state of mind where they have less control over their actions.
According to NIDA Info Facts: Drug Abuse and the link to HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases, "Among drug users, HIV transmission can occur through sharing needles and other injection paraphernalia such as cotton swabs, rinse water, and cookers. However, another way people are at risk for HIV is simply by using drugs, regardless of whether a needle and syringe is involved. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with judgment and can lead to risky sexual behaviors that put people in danger of contracting or transmitting HIV."
Loss of Physical/Cosmetic Features from Drug and Alcohol Abuse
There are also numerous physical problems that drug abusers will experience with long term drug abuse. Although most of these are cosmetic, they are also physical as well.
Below is a list of common physical features compromised from drug and alcohol abuse.
- fast aging process
- loss of teeth
Many of these health problems will effect users for the rest their lives. They will need to seek medical assistance for many of these illnesses, therefore having good healthcare is essential.
When people who experiment with drugs begin to see what kind of life is ahead of them, they may be more apt to think twice before using drugs or alcohol. These health problems can affect the quality of life of each person who uses drugs and alcohol on a daily basis.
Victoria Rodriguez-Baziuk - Victoria has had a love for writing since she was 13, and discovered this talent while attending middle school. She has many passions in ...
