Medline Plus defines drug abuse as the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for at least a year. People who suffer from drug abuse tend to develop an addiction to the drug, or they have a compulsion to use it. The effects of drug abuse involve the person who takes the drug and those around her.
Psychological Dependence
A person who abuses drugs often experiences a psychological dependence to the drug. Encyclopedia.com reports that a psychological dependence causes an uncontrollable craving in the user that makes him think he needs the drug to maintain a feeling of well-being. A user may abuse the drug in order to escape from problems. For example, the user may have low self-esteem; anxiety about something; loneliness or an unhappy family life. HelpGuide.org says risk factors may contribute to a person abusing drugs and then developing a psychological dependence. These include those who have a family history of addiction; those who experience abuse, neglect or other traumatic experiences in childhood; those who have mental disorders such as depression and anxiety; and those who have started using drugs earlier in life.
Mental Changes
According to HelpGuide.org, all types of drugs alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory and learning. Drugs can cause a change in personality or attitude, such as sudden mood swings, irritability or angry outbursts. Users may also display unusual hyperactivity, agitation or giddiness.
Health Problems
Drug abuse can cause significant harm to the user's health. Drugs can affect how the heart functions and can cause arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure, Medline Plus says. Drugs can cause weight fluctuations in users, such as gaining weight or losing weight. Users may also experience brain damage, liver or kidney damage, nerve damage and convulsions. Drug abuse can lead to a coma and death in some people.
Societal Problems
Drug abuse can disrupt family life and create destructive patterns of co-dependency, says Encyclopedia.com. The spouse or whole family can inadvertently help the user continue using drugs by covering up, supplying money or denying that a problem exists. Drug use can cause problems with relationships as well, including family members, friends and co-workers, says HelpGuide.org. It can cause a user to neglect responsibilities, resulting in performing poorly at school or work. Users also put others at risk while engaging in irresponsible behaviors. For instance, they may drive while on drugs, use dirty needles or have unprotected sex.
