The 2024 American Heart Association Report on Illegal Drugs and Heart Disease states, “Most illegal drugs can have adverse cardiovascular effects, ranging from an abnormal heart rate to a heart attack”. Liver cirrhosis is a severe condition where the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Fatty liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis are also common outcomes. If you or a loved one are battling Sober living house addiction to any kind of drug, you may experience a combination or all of the effects of drug abuse mentioned. Addiction also is different from physical dependence or tolerance.
Addiction and Health
- These include things such as strong cravings, using more than planned, failed attempts to cut back, and continued use despite problems at work, at home, or in relationships.
- Valley Spring Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment services.
- To prevent liver damage, individuals should seek help to reduce or eliminate substance use, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid alcohol.
- The following are examples of common drugs, their short-term physical effects, and potential health risks due to SUD.
- According to the American Psychological Association (APA), feelings of depression and anxiety can increase the likelihood of substance use as individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication.
Addiction to drugs while pregnant can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and child. Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. The interaction between drug use and psychological health is complex.
Health On the Net Foundation
These extreme effects are not just isolated health incidents but ripple out to affect families, communities, and healthcare systems. The consequences of addiction to these substances are often irreversible, making awareness and prevention measures critically important. This article does not reference the term “drug abuse,” which is a stigmatizing term.
Physical Health Impacts
Drug addiction is a pervasive issue that touches the lives of individuals across the globe, transcending age, gender, and socioeconomic status. It’s a complex disease that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ affects the brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control drug use despite harmful consequences. This article aims to shed light on how drug addiction impacts various aspects of a person’s life, offering insights for those seeking rehabilitation or looking to understand the depths of addiction. Chronic drug use can lead to heart disease, liver failure, kidney damage, and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, primarily due to needle sharing or unprotected sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports significant increases in drug overdose deaths in recent years, highlighting the lethal risk of addiction.
- Many of the effects of drug addiction are similar, no matter what substance someone uses.
- Due to the toxic nature of these substances, users may develop brain damage or sudden death.
- Genes may account for about half of your chances of developing a substance use disorder.
- Despite manufacturer claims, these are chemical compounds rather than “natural” or harmless products.
- Government data shows that SUD tends to be more common among Black people than Hispanics, Asians, and people who are white.
For anyone struggling with drug addiction, NationalRehabHotline.org offers a lifeline. This resource provides information, support, and guidance to individuals seeking help for drug what does drug addiction mean addiction, connecting them with rehabilitation services and support networks. Remember, reaching out for help is the first step towards recovery and reclaiming control of your life. Help from your health care provider, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program can help you overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free. Long-term effects of addiction target emotional well-being, social standing, financial impact, physical consequences, and mental health deterioration.