Drug Abuse: 8 Dangerous Side Effects

Drug abuse and drug dealing have long-term consequences that extend far beyond the immediate gratification or profit they might offer. Moreover, these actions impact not only individuals but also families, communities, and society at large.

In fact, the after-effects can be catastrophic, leading to both physical and mental health concerns, as well as societal and legal consequences that are damaging to one’s well-being.

In this article, we will examine the reasons why people turn to drugs, the difference between controlled and uncontrolled substances, how dependency develops, the effects of drug abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and finally, practical solutions to combat drug dealing and abuse.

Why Do People Take Drugs?

People turn to drugs for various reasons. Often, they are influenced by their environment, emotions, or circumstances. Commonly, motivations can include:

• Peer Pressure: Particularly prevalent among teenagers and young adults.
• For Stress Relief: To temporarily escape from work, family, or personal challenges.
• Curiosity: A desire to try or experience something new.
• Self-Medication: Using drugs to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues.
• Recreational Use: People seeking pleasure or euphoria.

However, while some start by casually using drugs, over time, it spirals into a dependence that can have long-lasting implications.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Substances

A person addicted to drug abuse will often take either the high road or the low road. In fact, some of these drugs are more illegal than others. Let’s take a closer look at how they are grouped.

Controlled Substances

Controlled substances are drugs or chemicals that the law (the government) closely monitors because they can be abused or harmful. Specifically, this includes prescription drugs and some recreational drugs.

For example, prescription medications such as opioids, stimulants, and sedatives fall under this category. However, their use is legally permitted only under medical supervision.

Uncontrolled Substances

[caption id="attachment_1651" align="aligncenter" width="1296"] Image Source: Spring Hill Recovery Centre[/caption]

Uncontrolled substances, on the other hand, aren’t regulated in the same way and are usually safer or less likely to be abused. In fact, these can be everyday items or natural substances that don’t pose a major risk.

However, uncontrolled substances also include illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Unlike controlled substances, these are unregulated, often laced with harmful additives, and are strictly prohibited from any use.

How Drug Abuse and Dependency Develops

Drug addiction, and the subsequent abuse, is a process in which the body and brain get accustomed to the use of an agent and develop a need for its regular use. Here’s how it happens:

• Initially, casual or experimental use leads to occasional indulgence.
• As a result, the body requires higher doses to achieve the same effect, leading to increased tolerance.
• Furthermore, the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally, resulting in physical dependency.
• At the same time, emotional and mental reliance on the substance develops, causing psychological dependency.

Ultimately, this cycle traps individuals, making quitting incredibly difficult without intervention.

8 Long-Term Side Effects of Drug Abuse

Engaging in drug dealing or abusing substances can have serious, lasting effects on both the body and mind. While the immediate risks are obvious, the long-term consequences can be even more damaging, affecting everything from physical health to personal relationships and overall quality of life.

In this section, we'll explore eight long-term side effects of drug dealing or abuse.

1. Physical Health Deterioration

Drugs can harm vital organs, leading to chronic conditions, such as:

• For example, liver and kidney damage (caused by heroin and opioids).
• Additionally, heart disease and respiratory problems (caused by cocaine).
• Moreover, severe dental issues like 'meth mouth' and skin infections (caused by methamphetamine).

2. Mental Health Issues

Long-term drug abuse alters brain chemistry, leading to:

• For instance, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
• Furthermore, depression and suicidal tendencies.
• In addition, cognitive decline and memory loss.

3. Social Consequences

It leads to the breakdown of relationships, loss of employment, and eventual withdrawal into social isolation. As a result, drug abuse addicts are often socially unfit in their dealings with people around them.

4. Financial Instability

The cost of maintaining addiction gradually drains your resources if you continue abusing drugs and, in many instances, may lead to criminal behaviour to finance the addiction.

5. Legal Repercussions

Drug dealing is illegal; as a result, it often leads to arrest and imprisonment and also creates a record that holds anyone back from progressing further.

6. Increased Risk of Overdose

Frequent abuse inevitably leads to increased tolerance for drugs, which causes users to require higher doses, therefore raising the risk of a fatal overdose.

7. Withdrawal Symptoms

Users experience intense withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, including:

• For example, sweating, trembling, and nausea.
• Additionally, sleeplessness and moodiness.
• Moreover, cravings can lead to relapse.

8. Generational Impact

Children of addicts are at a greater risk for neglect and abuse and of developing substance use disorders themselves, creating cycles of addiction.

Short-Term Vs Long-Term Effects of Drug Abuse on the Health

Short-Term Effects

Physical: Heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Mental: Euphoria, impulsiveness, and hallucinations

Behavioural: Aggression, recklessness, or withdrawal from loved ones.

Long-Term Effects

Physical: Organ failure weakened immune system, and irreversible damage to the brain and body.

Mental: Persistent anxiety, psychosis, and depression.

Behavioural: Loss of self-control, leading to dangerous activities and criminal behavior.

Effects of Withdrawal

Withdrawal happens when the body reacts to not having a drug it depends on. Symptoms can vary by substance, but generally, they may include:

• Physical Effects: Sweating, tremors, nausea, muscle pain, and seizures.
• Mental Effects: Anxiety, depression, irritability, and cravings.
• Behavioural Effects: Restlessness, insomnia, and agitation.

In severe cases, withdrawal can be life-threatening and may require medical supervision for a safe detox.

How to Fight Drug Abuse and Free Yourself

You can free yourself from drug-dealing. But it takes more fight than people are willing to admit. Here are some:

1. Education and Awareness

Public enlightenment on the risks of drug abuse will help prevent people from trying drugs in the first place.

2. Law Enforcement

In addition, governments should put strict control on controlled substances and eliminate illegal drug trafficking networks.

3. Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation centres, when available and accessible, play a crucial role in helping an addict return to normal life. Moreover, the affordability of these centers ensures that individuals from various backgrounds can access the support they need to recover and rebuild. In turn, this fosters a healthier society by providing the necessary resources for recovery and reintegration.

4. Support Groups

Family, friends, and society groups support an addict in his/her recovery process.

5. Counselling and Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with other types of counseling can get to the root of the addiction and devise a coping strategy.

6. Alternative Pain Management

Non-addictive pain treatments, like physical therapy or meditation, promote less prescription drug consumption.

Drug dealing and abuse have a snowball effect, leading to health complications, social issues, and legal consequences. Therefore, understanding the long-term impacts, such as physical and mental health decline, withdrawal symptoms, and financial instability, is crucial to addressing this growing problem.

To combat drug abuse and dealing, society must rely on education, law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, and community support. By breaking the cycle of dependency, individuals can rebuild their lives, and families and communities can ultimately look forward to a healthier future.