Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse

The medical consequences of drug abuse can extend far beyond the changes that a life can suffer from simply taking drugs. In the immediate sense, relationships deteriorate, finances deplete, there is job loss and students drop out of school, but the real consequences of drug abuse is the impact that it has on the individual’s health, both immediate and long term.

Health Implications from Drug Abuse

Common health impediments from drug abuse are:
• Heart disease
• Pulmonary disease
• Stroke
• Liver and kidney damage
• Mental health and neurological effects
• Muscular damage
• Hormonal effects
• Cancer
• Hepatitis
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• HIV and AIDS.

These diseases and conditions are a common link, but there are many more medical conditions that are unique to specific drugs. Some of these medical consequences occur during drug use, but many do not show indications until later. Of course any of these can lead to death.
Heart and pulmonary complications and stroke are commonly linked to Cocaine, LSD, Marijuana, Heroin, Ecstasy, Meth, Pain killers, Stimulants and Steroids. Injecting drugs may lead to collapsed veins as well as infections of the heart valves and blood vessels, while sharing needles may lead to hepatitis, HIV and AIDS. Additionally Ecstasy and Steroids have also been associated with certain muscular damage and drug use among adolescents can create hormonal effects and prevent certain growth aspects. Liver and kidney damage can occur with almost all drug use but damage is especially increased in individuals who use Heroin, Ecstasy, Inhalants and Steroids.

Drug Abuse and Mental Health

Probably the most misunderstood consequences of drug abuse are the mental health and neurological effects; the damage to the brain and central nervous system. Most individuals abuse drugs because of the euphoric sensation that they experience; however every time they use drugs the CPU of the body, the brain and central nervous system under go changes that with prolonged use, may not be able to fully recover. Drugs such as Cocaine, Marijuana, Meth, Stimulants and GHB, all contribute to this paradigm.

Getting Help Is the First Step

Making the decision to quit drug abuse and to get help is a step in the right direction. Depending on the type of drug abuse you may or may not need to detoxify. Certain types of drugs do not require detox. In that case, you may need a program to help you deal with the things in your life that cause you to turn to drugs. If you are not sure whether or not you need detox, consult with your doctor.

Medical Detox

IV therapy medical detox is viewed as the best method for medical detox. Intravenous therapy makes it possible for the medication to be increased or decreased to meet the withdrawal symptoms which keeps the patient comfortable and allows the patient to complete the detox process. Studies indicate that patients who successfully complete detox are more likely to be successful in staying off drugs than individuals who cannot complete detox.