How Do Drugs and Alcohol Affect Your Circulatory System?
The circulatory system is composed of the heart, blood and blood vessels. The heart continually pumps blood all over the body. Drugs and alcohol can effect the circulation of oxygen-rich blood by speeding up or slowing down normal heart rate. Substance abuse can have both short-term and long-term effects on the body.
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The Facts
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Drug or alcohol abuse can have detrimental effects on many parts of the body, including the brain, respiratory system and cardiovascular system. Problems can be caused by sudden over-stimulation or slowing of the heart muscle, or by ingesting contaminants that the body can't process. In some cases, harmful effects including sudden death can occur as soon as drugs are ingested.
Alcohol
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Alcohol is a depressant. Depressants affect the circulatory system by slowing normal brain and heart function. This can result in short-term effects such as decreased blood pressure, slower pulse and more difficult respiration. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart muscle deterioration.
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Illicit Drugs
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Illicit street drugs are associated with a wide range of circulatory system problems. Stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine can cause sudden overstimulation of the heart, resulting in abnormal heart rhythms which can be fatal. Depressants such as heroin can produce a relaxed effect throughout the body, leading to low blood pressure and slowed breathing. Additives or contaminants found in street drugs often do not dissolve in the blood and can result in blockage of blood vessels.
Secondary Effects
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Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to other effects besides those caused by the drugs directly. For example, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to malnutrition, which can eventually lead to heart problems. Intravenous drug use can lead to blood poisoning, HIV or an inflammation of the lining of the heart.
Prevention/Solution
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If you or someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol, get help immediately. Talk to a doctor, counselor or religious adviser. Without help, substance abuse can lead to sudden death or long-term health problems such as blood clots and heart disease.
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