Understanding the Physical Impacts of Substance Abuse

The intensity of the physical effects of substance abuse depends on the type of drugs taken and the length of time they are used. Some physical effects are short term and pass once the drug is out of the system. Other physical effects are more permanent. Additional physical effects become more pronounced when the drugs are removed and withdrawal begins.

Alcohol

• Alcohol depresses the nervous system and causes dizziness, memory loss and impaired vision. Long-term effects include brain and liver damage.

Marijuana

• Smoking marijuana increases heart rate, relaxes muscles and affects blood pressure. Long-term use can cause infertility, lung cancer and schizophrenia.

Cocaine

• Cocaine is highly addictive and constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Heart disease, respiratory failure and stroke can occur after long-term use.

Heroin

• Heroin is a morphine-based drug that depresses the central nervous system and causes slurred speech, constipation and impaired night vision. Eventually heroin addiction will cause heart lining infection, liver disease and pulmonary disorders.

Amphetamines

• Amphetamines of all kinds affect the central nervous and respiratory systems. They can cause convulsions, stroke and brain damage.

Pain Pills

• Abuse of prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicoden and Percocet depresses the receptors in the central nervous system. Long-term abuse could result in seizures, severe muscle and joint pain, insomnia and depression.