Health Facts on Drugs & Alcohol
Alcohol and other drugs are capable of causing negative health effects on the mind and body. Outcomes are based on factors such as length of use and pre-existing health conditions and may be compounded by the risky practices that often coincide with drug use.
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Alcohol
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Alcohol is a drug from the depressant class. Its short-term effects include mood swings, hangover, dehydration and loss of memory or "blackout". Alcohol overdose can cause loss of consciousness, coma and death if not treated early.
The long-term physical and mental effects of alcohol use are more ominous. They may include addiction, depression, stomach ulcers and bleeding and lasting brain damage. The most significant risk of prolonged alcohol abuse is the development of a liver condition known as cirrhosis, a precursor to liver cancer. According to Nih.gov, long-term alcohol use increases the risk of developing cancer of the liver, colon, breast and esophagus.
Stimulants
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Stimulants increase metabolism, heart rate and other bodily processes. Drugs from this class include cocaine, amphetamines, ephedrine and the piperazines.
In the short term, stimulants increase breathing and heart rate, raise blood pressure, suppress appetite and can lead to negative mental symptoms like paranoia and psychosis. With long-term use, they can cause malnutrition, addiction and increased risk for stroke and heart attack.
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Depressants
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Opiates, benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotic sleep medications make up the depressant class of drugs. Unlike stimulants, these drugs slow bodily processes, leading to slowed breathing and heart rate and low blood pressure.
Negative side effects of depressant use include drowsiness and sedation, respiratory depression, blackouts and overdose. Tolerance develops quickly, leading to decreased efficacy and the need to increase dosage. According to GreenFacts.org, prolonged depressant abuse can lead to addiction, memory loss, changes in brain function and dangerous withdrawal effects.
Hallucinogens
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Hallucinogenic drugs---also known as psychedelics---affect the way the brain interprets external stimuli. While not generally harmful to the body, hallucinogens can cause devastating mental and emotional effects that may persist indefinitely.
The short- and long-term effects of hallucinogens are similar and include frightening experiences ("bad trips"), psychotic reactions, flashbacks and exacerbation of existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. One particularly worrying outcome of hallucinogen use is HPPD, or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. This condition is characterized by constant visual disturbances and may cause significant emotional distress.
Associated Risks
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Drug and alcohol use increases the chances of traffic-related fatalities. According to Madd.org, approximately three in every 10 people will be the victim of a drunk driving-related accident in their lives. Intoxication may also lead to impaired judgment and loss of inhibition, increasing the chances of engaging in risky sexual behaviors.
The method of administration for various substances may also pose significant risks. Injecting drugs can cause gangrene, loss of limbs and destruction of blood vessels. Use of contaminated needles increases the odds of being infected with HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. Smoking is known to cause airway irritation and an increased risk of lung cancer, while intranasal administration (snorting) of drugs can cause severe nosebleeds and deviated septum.
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