Substance abuse is a complex and widespread problem that impacts millions of people worldwide. Although the immediate effects of drug and alcohol use are well known, the long-term physical effects are usually neglected until they worsen. Chronic substance abuse can shorten life expectancy and lower quality of life by permanently damaging different organ systems. This article will discuss the long-term physical effects of substance abuse and their impact on the overall health of the user.
Effects On the Brain and Nervous System
Drug and alcohol addiction causes severe physical and mental health problems. Prolonged substance abuse can result in mental disorders like memory loss and damage to the nervous system. According to mental health specialists, about half of people with a substance use disorder also experience serious mental illness. Understanding the symptoms of mental health disorders can help you identify when to seek help.
Cognitive Decline and Memory Loss
Chronic substance abuse can result in memory loss, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Many drugs are neurotoxic and cause long-term brain damage, including alcohol, methamphetamine, and opioids.
Neuropathy and Nerve System Damage
Drugs such as alcohol and heroin are known to cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves are damaged, leading to pain, tingling, and loss of sensation in the arms and legs. Over the long term, drug abuse and other risk factors can lead to seizures, strokes, and other neurological issues.
Cardiovascular Problems
Abusing substances like illicit drugs and alcohol can lead to many cardiovascular problems.
Higher Risk of Heart Disease
Many drugs, including cocaine, meth, and opioids, damage the cardiovascular system. Long-term abuse and addiction can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Damage to the Blood Vessels
Drugs like cocaine and meth constrict blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure and increasing the risk of collapsed vessels, blood clotting, and blood-brain barrier.
Damage to the Respiratory System
Prolonged substance abuse can permanently damage the respiratory system, resulting in lung damage and respiratory diseases.
Respiratory Problems and Lung Damage
Lung damage from smoking drugs like tobacco and marijuana can lead to lung infections, pulmonary edema, and lung cancer. Using opioids can slo increase the risk of a person with a substance use disorder falling prey to respiratory failure.
Increased Risk of Infections
People with drug addiction have a damaged immune system and poor overall health, so they are at a higher risk of getting diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis. Besides damaging lung tissues, smoking drugs increases a patient's risk of infection.
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Damage to Liver and Kidney Health
Alcohol and certain drugs have a detrimental impact on liver and kidney health. Below are some of the common problems in the liver and kidney due to substance abuse.
Liver Disease
Long-term substance abuse can cause diseases like liver damage, fatty liver, and hepatitis.
Kidney Failure
Drugs like meth, nicotine and alcohol, etc., can damage kidney health due
to nephrotoxicity, dehydration, and high blood pressure. If a person
keeps using these drugs for a prolonged period, they can become prone to
renal failure.
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Gastrointestinal Diseases
A person struggling with substance abuse may develop many GI tract, nutrition, and digestive problems.
Digestive Problems
Long-term substance abuse causes digestive tract problems like Gastritis, pancreatitis, and ulcers. Drugs like MDMA and cocaine severely disrupt digestion, resulting in constipation and colitis.
Nutrition Loss
Substance abuse results in loss of appetite and eating disorders, which can result in problems like electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and vitamin deficiencies. These nutritional deficiencies cause damage to the immune system, muscle mass loss, and diseases like anemia and osteoporosis.
Musculoskeletal and Immune System Problems
Immune system weakening and musculoskeletal problems are common impacts of long-term alcohol and drug abuse.
Muscle Atrophy
Chronic use of substances or drugs can cause the muscles to thin out and waste away due to poor water intake and lack of activity. Some drugs limit general mobility: they are devastating for damaged muscles and joints.
Immune System Problems
Using drugs for an extended period damages the immune system, making
drug users more prone to AIDS-related infections and other
diseases.
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Problems in the Reproductive System
Reproductive and sexual health gets severely damaged due to drugs like cocaine and heroin.
Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
Common reproductive health problems for women and men with drug and alcohol addictions Long-term substance abuse in men can result in erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm count. In women, it can cause irregular periods and a greater risk of miscarriage.
Birth Complications and Developmental Problems
If a pregnant woman uses drugs, her infant is likely to have serious problems like poor fetal growth, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
Skin and Dental Health Problems
Abusing illegal drugs causes skin and dental health problems like the following.
Skin Problems and Disturbed Healing
Chronic substance abuse damages the skin, resulting in abscesses, infections, and sluggish wound healing. Drugs like meth often cause severe acne, open sores, and other skin problems.
Dental Decay and Gum Disease
Drugs like meth and marijuana cause gum inflation, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Long-term use of meth causes severe cavities and gum infections.
Bottom Line
The long-term effects of substance abuse are devastating and often irreversible. Chronic substance abuse has long-term health consequences, including neurological issues, heart and liver diseases, and kidney problems. For people suffering from addiction and those who have a loved one on their path to recovery, it is essential to understand these consequences. Lifestyle changes and medical help can reduce some of the long-term results and lead to a better, substance-free life.
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