Drugs and substance abuse

Drugs are substances that alter the normal functioning of the body and the brain when they are taken. There are several drugs that are misused worldwide, and their effects vary depending on the quantity and the mode of abusing the drug. Research has shown that there are both short and long term effects of drugs. Commonly, drugs are taken through smoking, inhalation, injection, and ingestion. Drugs that are introduced directly into the bloodstream have an instantaneous effect on the body while others that are ingested have a delayed repercussion on the body.

Firstly, most drugs affect the brain. When taken, they result in excessive production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for the regulation of emotions, pleasurable feelings, and motivation. As a result, a person develops an impaired judgment in the way he/she makes decisions regarding various instances. Illicit drug disorder is another adverse effect of misusing drugs. 25% of the death cases reported are directly linked to drug and substance abuse. These deaths have varying effects in the society. For example, extra resources are utilized to seek treatment for these medical complications. Also, the number orphans across the world continue to increase rapidly because of children losing parents to the epidemic of drugs and substance abuse.

Drug and substance abuse results in a weakened immune system. This in return raises the risk of contracting other illnesses that take advantage and therefore causing death to the drug users. For example, drug abusers who inject themselves risk spreading dangerous diseases like HIV/AIDS because of sharing injection tools. Continued use of drugs also results in increased heartbeat rates that lead to heart attacks. Besides, there are vessel infections that result in the collapse of blood veins. All these make an individual weak and unable to take control of his/her body.

Drugs cause hallucinations and impaired judgment among consumers. Drugs like marijuana are known to generate high levels of hallucinations. These are instances or feelings in which a victim feels a fake virtual world. Hallucinations are scary at times because they can make individuals to scream or run uncontrollably.

Nausea and abdominal pain are other effects that have been confirmed to arise from drugs. When they develop, they also give rise to decline appetite, and in the long run, individuals will severely lose weight. The liver, which is a vital organ for the good functioning of the body is also adversely affected. Continued drug abuse and intake of substances like alcohol result in liver failure and damage and therefore putting individuals at significant risk of contracting liver-related infections.

Excessive and continued use of drugs results in addiction. This is a condition in which a person becomes completely reliant on a substance for him her to perform other daily activities. In so doing, a person develops a disconnect and anxiety with other members of the society. One develops a poor memory, unable to pay attention, and the decision-making process is also severely impaired.

In conclusion, drug abuse has adverse effects on the body and society at large. Some of the common effects include paranoia, harmful aggression, hallucinations, addiction, impaired judgment, impulsiveness, and the loss of self-control. The heart, the liver, and the lungs are some of the organs that are adversely affected, and thus the emergence of diseases that affect these body organs. Body injuries and the destruction of the normal functioning of the brain are other catastrophic effects that arise from the misuse of drugs.

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