What are the Physical Effects of Drug Abuse on Human Body

Although drug abuse results in mental health issues, taking drugs also show some physical effects on all parts of the human body. The physical effects of these drugs which are abused may be short term or may be long term but they are permanent. With the increase in the frequency of usage of drugs and also using the drugs for longer periods, worsen the physical effects on the body.

According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), the physical effects of drugs on the body depends on the drug used, the method of drug usage, and the frequency and duration. Drug addiction has physical effects on the vital organs of the body.

• Brain changes from drug abuse include paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, aggression, depression, seizures, stroke, brain damage etc. These are majorly caused by abusing cocain.
• Respiratory effects of drug abuse include emphysema, asthma and lung cancer and most of the respiratory problems are caused by inhalants which releases toxic chemicals in to the lungs.
• Drugs like methamphetamine can cause cardiac effects of drug abuse, which include abnormal heartbeat, collapsed veins and heart attack.
• Gastrointestinal effects of drug addiction includes nausea, pain in stomach, and liver and kidney damage.
• Physical effects caused by the drugs are permanent and not reversible. For example infertility caused by steroids and liver or kidney damage.
• Steroids may even cause hormonal imbalances in the body which may lead to men developing breasts and women growing facial and body hair like men.
• Drugs that act quickly on the brain may cause rapid loss of consciousness or death.

Drug addiction results in total destruction of body, leaving no chance to repair in most of the cases.

Marijuana Abuse Increases Risk of Heart Diseases

Many serious side effects are associated with continuous use of marijuana. The drug primarily affects central nervous system and alters memory, learning skills, concentration, and motivation. However, the drug also affects cardiovascular system, respiratory system and immune system of the body by long-term use. It has been found that marijuana abuse increases the risk of heart diseases. Marijuana drug test conducted frequently on abusers may help in avoiding drug addiction. This may decrease further effects on vital organs of body.

Marijuana smoking may increase heart rate from 20% to 50%. In first 2 to 3 minutes of marijuana consumption, heart rate rises slowly. Then it becomes higher within 15 to 30 minutes and remains high for two hours. As a result, there is a change in blood pressure. The extent of increase is based on the posture of the user. When a person is standing, then the blood pressure decreases. It increases when the person is sitting or lying. A sudden change in posture may cause hypotension which leads to fainting.

Patients already suffering from heart diseases should avoid marijuana consumption. Catecholamines are involved in stimulating the activity of heart. THC present in marijuana increases the production of catecholamines which increases risk of cardiac arrhythmias. As a result, heart rate increases associated with chest pain and myocardial infarction.

Levels of carboxyhaemoglobin are increased during marijuana smoking, decreasing oxygen supply to heart. Working of heart is stressed at such low oxygen levels. This also weakens heart function. Thus, marijuana abuse increases risk of heart diseases. THC drug test detects concentration of drug in the sample. If there are any positive results in the test, treatment should be taken immediately. Otherwise it may increase risk to heart and also may lead to death.

Harmful Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as Cannabis, is one of the illegal drugs. The main chemical component of the drug is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This binds to the cannabinoid receptors that are present throughout nervous system and other parts of the body. The higher concentration of the receptors are present in brain, which include areas, responsible for pleasure, memory, concentration, thought, sense, time perception, movement coordination, pain and appetite. So it has a vast range of effects with regard to the psychic issues. Certain effects include: impaired short-term memory, altered judgment and decision-making, increased heart rate, anxiety, and altered mood. Certain mental disorders such as schizophrenia may also be caused due to Marijuana. The drug may increase the rate of heart by 20-100% which simultaneously increases the risk of heart attack. Exposure to marijuana may result in alteration of brain development especially in areas functional to reward, mood and executive function. Long term effects of marijuana use causes respiratory problems such as bronchitis and chronic cough. It may also result in the risk of addiction and psychosis in vulnerable individuals. Addiction to marijuana leads to serious problems including anxiety, irritability, craving, and sleeping problems.