By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    improving patient experience
    6 Ways to Improve Patient Satisfaction Within Hospitals
    December 1, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    What Are The Health Benefits Of Having A Degree?
    March 9, 2022
    custom software development is changing healthcare
    Digital Customer Journey Mapping and its Importance for Healthcare
    July 21, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    ACO infographic
    A Closer Look at Accountable Care Organizations [INFOGRAPHIC]
    June 5, 2014
    Medical Residents Get Their Own Social Network
    December 19, 2012
    FDA Social Media Guidance: Hangout on Air
    July 29, 2014
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Health Risks Associated With Substance Abuse To Know About
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health care > Health Risks Associated With Substance Abuse To Know About
Health careSpecialtiesWellness

Health Risks Associated With Substance Abuse To Know About

John Henning
Last updated: September 28, 2020 8:12 pm
John Henning
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

 

Drug abuse is a huge issue that impact an individual?s psychological health as well as physical health. Drug and substance use can lead to severe health issues and increase the risk of developing illness and diseases that could otherwise be avoided. Both the short-term and long-term use of drugs and alcohol may result in issues related to heart function, liver function, and brain function. Further, the abuse of drugs and alcohol may increase the risk of developing chronic disorders like cancers and heart disease.

Health Risks Associated With Opioid Abuse

There are several risks and dangers of opioid abuse. In the short-term, opioid abuse can cause side effects including nausea, paranoia, respiratory depression, lethargy, and drowsiness. Long term effects of opioid abuse include the following:

More Read

10 Easy Ways For Busy Moms To Be Healthier In Life
Prevail Discuss Overcoming Stigma: Sharing Stories of Recovery
The Best Smart Kitchen Gadgets to Have in 2019
The Main Toenail Problems In Diabetes
Your Guide To Eating Healthy On Lockdown
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Brain damage resulting from lack of oxygen to the brain
  • Damage to the liver
  • Dependence on opioids
  • Tolerance to opioids

A growing tolerance to opioids is a recipe for disaster. The body will eventually require so much of the drug to achieve the desired effect that the individual will overdose and die without intervention. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, seek treatment for opioid addiction right away.

Health Risks Associated With Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can affect many different parts of the body. First, alcohol disrupts the communication pathways within the brain. It can also change the physical structure of the brain itself. These changes that occur within the brain can alter moods and overall behavior, while also impacting coordination and making it difficult to think clearly. Alcohol abuse can also wreak havoc on the heart. The heart may be impacted in the following ways:

  • Increase the risk of stroke
  • Cardiomyopathy – drooping and stretching of the heart muscle itself
  • Increase the risk of high blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat (i.e., arrhythmias)

Long term excessive use of alcohol can also harm the liver, causing issues including:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Alcoholic hepatitis
  • Fatty liver (i.e., steatosis)
  • Fibrosis

The pancreas is also affected by the long term use of alcohol. Alcohol abuse can cause the pancreas to begin to produce toxic substances, eventually resulting in pancreatitis. Finally, there is evidence that excessive long term use of alcohol may lead to a higher risk of developing different types of cancers including liver cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancer. If you or a loved one are struggling with a drinking problem, don?t wait until it is too late to seek trusted professional treatment for addiction at facilities like WindwardWay.com. Make the call now.

Health Risks Associated With Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine use can affect and rewire the reward pathway in the brain. The short-term effects of cocaine abuse include:

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
  • Paranoia
  • Anger and irritability
  • Decreased appetite
  • Headaches
  • Mood problems
  • Seizures and convulsions
  • Stroke
  • Heart Attack
  • Heart Disease
  • Damage to the lungs
  • If injected: HIV or hepatitis

Health Risks Associated With Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine abuse can cause damage to the serotonin and dopamine neurons in the brain due to its neurotoxic nature. The abuse of methamphetamine can change the structure and function of the brain and negatively affect memory, emotion, and mood. These changes are often irreversible. Other risks associated with methamphetamine abuse include:

  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Memory loss
  • Mood disturbance
  • Severe dental issues
  • Violent and aggressive behavior
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Psychosis
  • Delusions
  • Suicidal ideations and suicidal behaviors

Final Thoughts

If you are dealing with addiction and are experiencing symptoms related to drug or alcohol abuse, treatment from an experienced medical team may help you treat and reduce the risks related to substance abuse. Comprehensive treatment programs that include detox and therapy programs may help you to quit abusing drugs and alcohol.

TAGGED:addictiondrug usehealth risksrisks of addictionsubstance abuse
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By John Henning
John Henning is a nutritionist, freelance writer, and food blogger that provides accessible nutrition info to help people live a healthier life. His unique approach to nutrition emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods and healthy habits rather than restrictive diets.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Slowing Metabolism
Medical InnovationsNewsWellness

Meeting the Challenges of a Slowing Metabolism

June 28, 2017
Mobile For Healthcare
Health careMobile Health

How to Merge Healthcare with Mobility?

November 6, 2017

Optimism and Changes Ahead for Blood Cancer Patients [VIDEO]

December 22, 2013
adhd
DiagnosticsSpecialties

ADHD: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Trends

May 21, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?