All excesses are very harmful to health, even if we drink more water than our body can absorb, not only can we be sure that we will go to the bathroom very often, but we will also feel a very intense stomach ache. This, if we do it once, nothing happens, but If we make it a habit, our health will weaken., as is the case with drug use.
In this article we will see the effects of drugs on the body and in the human being. The drugs, as you well know, are substances that They have narcotic effects, some stimulants and others depressants. If you want to know what the effects of drugs are, you have come to the right place. First of all, we must mention that these narcotic substances, when consumed, modify many normal functions of the body, which means that they create addiction, with all that this entails.
It is important to mention that The effects of drugs on the body are not always the same., and they vary depending on the type of drug and the person themselves. Thus, effects of marijuana They are not the same as those of cocaine, amphetamines or ecstasy. In this special feature we are going to mention the most notable effects of drug use, that is, those that are most commonly seen.
Effects on the brain
One of the organs most affected by drug use is the brainThis is the most delicate and complex organ in the human body, which is why it is the first to be affected. Drugs interfere with the communication system of neurons, preventing them from transmitting information correctly. Some drugs, such as marijuana or heroin, activate these neurons because their chemical structure imitates that of a natural neurotransmitter.
In addition to this, most drugs affects the brain's reward system, flooding the dopamine circuit. This produces an overstimulation that leads the person to experience feelings of pleasure and euphoria, which encourages repeated consumption in order to feel "good" again. Later, when the effect of the drug disappears, dopamine levels drop, which can cause a feeling of discomfort.
In prolonged or excessive cases, this can lead to psychological imbalances of varying severity, such as depression, episodes of euphoria, panic attacks, temporary amnesia and even personality disorders. Damage to certain areas of the brain can be permanent.
For example, long-term use of drugs such as cocaine can cause damage to the prefrontal cortex, affecting impulse control and decision making, while other substances such as hallucinogens can lead to serious psychiatric disorders.
Long-term CT scans allow doctors to diagnose the severity of the damage. This damage not only affects reasoning, but can also significantly alter our ability to manage emotions and experience pleasure, which is crucial in the development of mental health disorders.
Effects on the nervous system
Drug use also has a strong impact on the central nervous system, and depending on the type of substance consumed, the effects vary.
- Hallucinogens (LSD, synthetic drugs): They distort sensory perception and can evoke images and sensations without any external stimulus.
- Psycholeptics (heroin, morphine): They produce relaxation, analgesia, drowsiness and, in severe cases, can induce coma.
- Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine): They activate the central nervous system, increasing energy, attention and management of some bodily functions.
Prolonged or abusive use of any of these types of drugs can have chronic impacts, such as memory impairment, difficulties in understanding language and problems interpreting and reacting to spatial stimuli. This impairment can be irreversible.
Effects on other organs of the body
Beyond the nervous system and the brain, drugs affect several other organs and systems in the human body. Some of the most serious effects include:
- Liver: Alcohol and other drugs can cause liver overload, which can lead to cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- LungsSmoked drugs, such as marijuana and tobacco, cause significant respiratory damage, predisposing the smoker to respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.
- Kidneys:Continued drug use can lead to kidney failure or the inability of the kidneys to remove toxins from the body.
In addition, effects related to the cardiovascular system have been documented, with chronic users often suffering from coronary problems, hypertension or even cardiac arrest. Gastrointestinal problems may also occur, especially in those who consume drugs through injections or opiate drugs.
The impact of drugs on mental and emotional health
One of the most devastating consequences of continued drug use is damage to the mental healthDepending on the substance, a variety of psychological disorders can be triggered, such as:
- Chronic depression:Long-term drug use tends to reduce the brain's ability to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for mood.
- Anxiety: Especially associated with the use of stimulants such as ecstasy and methamphetamines, users may experience high levels of anxiety and even panic attacks.
- psychotic disorders: They may include hallucinations, paranoid episodes and acute psychosis in some cases prolonged.
It is important to remember that drugs generate a psychological dependence, which means that in addition to altering the user's emotional state, they make it extremely difficult to stop consuming. The person develops an emotional dependence on the substance, which further aggravates their mental state.
The impact on decision and behavior
Drug abuse not only impacts a person's physical and mental health, but also affects your ability to make decisions rationally. In order to sustain their addiction, many consumers may resort to criminal acts to obtain money, and even endanger their own safety and that of others. This type of behavior is common in people whose consumption has reached very high levels, where decision-making is completely controlled by the need to consume.
Can drug addiction be treated?
Treatment for drug addiction is possible, but it requires hard work and effort. The essential first step is that the person must recognize that you have a problemOnce accepted, it will be necessary to seek professional help in rehabilitation centers, where people can learn to live without having to resort to harmful substances.
These programs often include psychological therapies, group activities and medical monitoring to ensure that patients stay drug-free while learning coping skills to deal with situations in which they might relapse.
It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach that works for everyone. Each addiction must be treated individually and with a plan that fits the person's needs, both physical and psychological.
Let us not forget that, although the road is long and deep, in the end, with the right support and willpower, it is possible to recover the life and health lost during addiction.