subject: Information On The Physiological Effects Of Drug Abuse [print this page] The physiological impacts of medication abuse can lead to permanent problems, the development of severe disorders and even death.The longer an individual overuses drugs the greater the probability that he will go through these effects that may not be cured even if he has stayed sober for some time.
Drug addicts suffer from physical effects depending on the drug that he has been using. Every drug has short and long term impacts. According to drug addiction program experts, the physical impacts of drug abuse can be seen in the initial stage of the habit. These include heart problems, brain damage, lung disorder and arthritis.
Overuse of Stimulants
These medications cause rapid respiration, metabolism and heart rate. Stimulants like amphetamine, piperazines, ephedrine and cocaine are the most commonly over used medicines today. When these stimulants are abused for a short term, they can increase blood pressure, vasoconstriction, tachycardia and appetite suppression. However, when they are overused for a long period of time, they can lead to poor nutrition, bone loss, aging and increased risks of stroke and heart attack.
Abuse of Depressants|Addiction to Depressants
Individuals use depressants to enjoy the sedating or calming effect. Drugs that belong to this class include barbiturates, benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics. Physiologically, an abuser of these medicines may feel a slurred speech, loss of coordination, decreased blood pressure and heart rate as well as respiratory issues. When addicts try to stop taking the drugs after an extended use, they may undergo withdrawals that can be fatal.
Hallucinogens|Hallucinogenic Drugs
These drugs are essential to change a person's perception of what is real. Hallucinogenic drugs can impact a user both mentally and physically. When abused, they can cause nausea, heart rate and blood pressure changes, increased vulnerability to pain as well as dilation of pupil.
What to Consider
When you have a loved one, who is dependent on any of these drugs, there are available drug addiction programs that will him overcome his condition. These programs are created to help drug addicts avoid permanent health issues of drug abuse. As drugs may cause serious withdrawal effects when an addict suddenly stops the intake, it is important to talk to a professional.
Drug addiction can lead to a lot of physiological changes in an addict. The habit can be treated by getting help from experts who may prescribe medicines to patients in order to ease the withdrawal symptoms, help them make necessary changes in their lifestyles and support them to stay drug-free for the longest possible time.
