The effects of drugs on the body can cause harm to the organ systems and may finally lead to their collapse. Through this article let us discuss the physical effects of drugs on the body…
The college where Amelia studied had a gang of girls who were quite popular among their peers. Amelia, being shy and introverted longed to be a part of that so-called happening group. Somehow she found out that the girls were very much into drugs, which they found it to be cool. So in order to be accepted as one of them, Amelia also inculcated the habit of using drugs. One fine day Amelia, much to her delight, was welcomed into the gang. By now she had become a full-fledged drug addict.
After a few days, Amelia found herself sick almost all the time. She couldn’t concentrate on anything. Her health began to deteriorate at a rapid pace. She began to have violent mood swings, became very irritable and would suffer from frequent nervous breakdowns. Worried, her parents took her to a doctor who, much to their shock, revealed that drugs had taken complete control of her body and what she was experiencing was the effects of drugs on the body. What could the drugs have possibly done to her?
What are Drugs?
Drugs are intoxicating substances that are available in various forms like pills, powder and liquid. Marijuana, heroin, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy etc. are some examples of illegal drugs that alter the body and destroy the life of an individual. Drugs contain certain chemicals which have the tendency to change the emotional state of the user. These psychoactive substances, also known as recreational drugs, can change the physical and psychological aspect of an individual.
Continuous usage of psychoactive drugs and their effects can destroy the health of the drug addict completely. A person on drugs may hardly be aware of his surroundings. Though found to be exciting and alluring, what most drug addicts don’t realize is the effects of drugs on the body. Hence drug addiction is a vice and the sale of drugs, without prescription, has been banned by governments across the globe.
Harmful Effects of Drugs on Health
There are many negative effects of drug addiction on the body, both physically and psychologically. Addictive drugs not only destroy the individual’s health but also ruin his personal and family life. Here are some of the destructive effects of drugs on the body.
- Drugs contain psychoactive substances which have adverse effects on the nervous system. The harmful effects of drugs on the brain due to prolonged usage are deterioration of the nerves, blood vessels, which may finally affect the brain, as a result of which brain damage occurs, which is an irreversible condition.
- Hallucinogenic drugs like heroin can affect the body and brain. The effects of heroin addiction are heart palpitations, blurred vision, severe headaches, insomnia etc. The individual may also begin to have hallucinations or illusions due to the extensive use of heroin.
- Injecting drugs into the veins also have their own dangerous effects, along with allergic reactions. The toxins are transported to the entire body through the bloodstream. Organs get exposed to these toxins, which hamper their function and destroy them. The victim of drug abuse may also be impaired for life. This collapse of the various organ systems in the body can prove to be fatal.
- Cocaine, which is another potent drug, is highly addictive in nature. High concentration of cocaine in the body can reduce appetite, making the person anorexic. It can also cause gastrointestinal complications. Severe and prolonged headaches can end up in seizures and stroke, Since the heart rhythm is disturbed, heart failure is also one possible effect of the drug.
- Some drugs, like heroin, have to be injected with intravenous needles. Continuous usage of this drug can affect the veins and leads to their collapse. it also triggers infections in the lining of the heart. Sharing of needles can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis and AIDS, which can result in death.
- Ecstasy is an illegal drug which has adverse effects on the body. A person, addicted to this drug, may experience an increase in body temperature, sweating, involuntary teeth clenching (especially while sleeping), muscle cramps, bouts of depression and paranoia. Anxiety attacks are also reported in such individuals.
There are many rehab centers that offer medication and counseling to an affected individual to de-addict him. Remember, though there are many options available to treat addiction, a drug addict needs the support of his friends and family to come out of this vicious grip of drugs. These ill effects of drugs can be deteriorating to the health and can even pose a threat to life. So get rid of these vices and lead a happy, disease-free life. Stay healthy!
