Drugs do more than make a person high. They also harm the mind and body. However, a person often doesn’t realize this because the drug clouds their mind. The following are five substances that have lasting effects on the mind and body.
Heroin
Heroin may appear to be an innocuous drug initially. However, the actual effects are seen when a person tries to quit using. The drug has changed the way the body functions, so any withdrawal symptoms are very pronounced. Without medical intervention, a person can die during heroin withdrawal. Any person trying to come off heroin must be hospitalized or take part in inpatient treatment at an Orange County drug addiction treatment center so withdrawal can be handled properly.
If a person continues using heroin, the drug will destroy the heart valves. A person who injects this drug is at risk of infections from needles or vein collapse. Overdoses are common with this drug. Heroin accounts for more drug overdose deaths than any other substance today.
Alcohol
Most people never think of the lasting effects alcohol can have on the mind and body. Sadly, millions of people die every year as a result of alcohol use, according to the World Health Organization. What makes alcohol different from other drugs on this list is it remains legal in most places. People can easily access alcohol, which is why it is heavily abused by many. In addition to damaging relationships, alcohol also harms the liver, may damage the brain, and plays a role in several mental disorders.
Crack Cocaine
It is easy to become addicted to crack cocaine because the effects of the drug don’t last very long. People who become addicted to the drug find they will do anything to get another dose. While many people associate this drug with those who are homeless and desperate, they fail to see that the use of the drug led these individuals to that state. Crack cocaine does significant harm to the body. It damages the kidneys, liver, and heart while harming the brain’s blood vessels and arteries. Blood pressure rises with the use of the drug, and people who use crack cocaine may struggle with hallucinations, depression, and paranoia. Many of these individuals lose their lives to heart failure or stroke.
Methamphetamine
Crystal meth is another popular drug, one made by crushing crystals and smoking them in a pipe. Methamphetamine changes the user’s brain chemistry. The person experiences pleasure differently after using this drug. It also affects cognitive functions, and these effects frequently last even after the person beats the addiction. Crystal meth alters dopamine receptors in the brain permanently. The body is also affected by crystal meth use. The drug destroys red blood cells and muscle tissue, and the body can no longer heal itself. These effects are pronounced in the person’s appearance.
Prescription Drugs
Sadly, prescription drugs may also harm the mind and body. Many people don’t understand this. They assume the drugs are completely safe because a doctor prescribed them. However, they can be dangerous when they aren’t used as directed. Countless people each year make their way into American emergency rooms because they overdosed on prescription medications. Sadly, many of these people will die if there is no follow-up care once they are discharged from the ER.
Any substance in large quantities might kill a person. Water is an excellent example of a substance that appears harmless but can lead to death with overconsumption. Help is available for those addicted to any substance, so seek treatment. A life may depend on it.
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