It's no secret that drug and alcohol abuse can have serious consequences. Abuse of these substances can cause profound changes in one's life, from physical to financial status, which might be difficult to fathom at times. This can involve chemical changes in the brain, illness, infection, trouble with the law or finances, harm from chance, or even death.

You may know that drug abuse has negative consequences, but how much do you know about the subject? Recognizing the full range of potential side effects can improve your life significantly. Despite your assurances, most people who regularly drink or take drugs do so for reasons other than recreation.

The short-term effects of narcotics may appear desirable, but in the long run, they will only harm you. Don't forget about these adverse outcomes of alcohol and drugs the next time you're tempted to pick up a bottle or a pipe.

Health Effects

In both the short and long term, there can be severe consequences for those who struggle with substance abuse. They are not always predictable and may change with the drug's classification, the dose, the frequency of administration, and the user's overall health. Drug abuse and dependence have far-reaching consequences. They have the potential to affect virtually the whole human body.

Among the possible adverse effects of drug addiction are the following:

●  A compromised immune system increases the likelihood of disease and infection.

●  Injectable medicines can cause heart issues ranging from irregular heart rhythms to heart attacks, vein collapse, and blood vessel infections.

●  Nausea and gastrointestinal pain can potentially cause alterations in appetite and weight loss.

●  Stress on the liver rises, increasing the likelihood of severe liver damage or even liver failure.

●  Epileptic fits, stroke, brain fog, and permanent cognitive impairment.

●  Lung disease.

●  Memory, focus, and decision-making issues impair daily functioning.

●  Drug side effects including breast growth in men and increased body warmth may cause health problems.

Mental Effects

Substance abuse that persists over time may have adverse effects on Memory, actions, awareness, cognition, and focus can all be relied on from this reliable source.

Chronic use of psychoactive drugs, including alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, or opioids, can alter brain function and structure. This may cause long-term abnormalities in cognitive and behavioral functioning even after drug use has ceased.

Substance use disorder can have different impacts on the mind and brain depending on the substance used and how long it has been used.

Substance use disorders (SUD) can increase the symptoms of various mental illnesses, and drug use in adolescence is a powerful predictor of SUD in adulthood. It may be a precursor to other mental disorders as well.

For those who inherit a particular gene variation, heavy cannabis usage during adolescence may raise their risk of developing psychosis in adulthood.

Takeaway; Getting Help

How drug and alcohol use affects one's physical and mental health is complex and nuanced, influenced by various circumstances. Substance abuse alters brain function and rapidly escalates to other health issues. However, light drinking and drug use can be managed to reduce the risk of dependency.

Addiction treatment from http://scottsdalerecovery.com/ typically consists of multiple phases, including initial intervention, counseling, medication, and long-term maintenance. An inpatient, an outpatient, or both settings may be used to treat it. Addiction to drugs is a condition that requires constant care and attention. So, get the help you need if you are struggling.