Understanding the Effects of Drug Abuse: Short & Long-Term Impacts

Drug abuse, according to the Drug Abuse Help guide, "involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances." The drugs may be street drug or drugs obtained with a prescription. Different drugs, when abused, have different short-term and long-term effects.

Methamphetamine

• Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, can cause wakefulness, hyperactivity and lack of appetite. Long-term usage leads to hallucinations, stroke and psychosis.

Amphetamines and Cocaine

• Amphetamines increase the heart rate, increase blood pressure, cause shaking, headaches, blurred vision, sweating and faster breathing. Long-term usage causes hallucinations and paranoia. Cocaine is a stimulant that is similar to amphetamines and the effects are similar.

Marijuana

• Marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to the use of stronger drugs. The effects are loss of coordination and mood swings. Long-term effects are paranoia and hallucination.

Heroin

• Heroin causes euphoria, wakefulness, sometimes sleepiness and confusion. Long-term usage can cause sudden lethal overdose.

Ecstasy

• Ecstasy is a stimulant that causes feelings of love and euphoria, mental stimulation and increased energy. It can cause nausea, chills, sweating, cramping and blurred eyesight. Lethal overdoses have been reported.

Prescription Drugs

• Abuse of prescription drugs such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and Demerol effects the central nervous system. Long-term usage may cause paranoia, high body temperatures and changes in heart rhythm.