About the Dangers of Smoking & Drugs

Overview

The medical dangers of smoking and taking drugs are numerous. Nicotine is a drug and can be just as harmful and, in some cases, more harmful than illegal substances. The National Institute on Drug Abuse contends that addiction to drugs is a brain disease set in motion when the user takes the first puff or hit.

Respiratory

Smoking cigarettes, marijuana and other drugs can cause a number of respiratory problems, from bronchitis to emphysema and lung cancer. Using inhalants can be dangerous as the airways can become blocked and cause suffocation or asphyxiation. Heroin can block arteries leading to the heart and lungs. Prescription pain medication, when abused, can create severe respiratory failure, leading to death.

Disease

Nicotine and other drugs can become dangerous and lead to a variety of medical conditions that, if left untreated, can be fatal. Serious complications including cancer, liver failure, kidney disease and brain damage are real threats that affect many drug abusers. Side effects of communal drug abuse, including HIV and AIDS as well as sexually transmitted disease, thrive under various drug-associated environments. Prenatal drug and nicotine use can be dangerous to the unborn fetuses.

Youth

In addition to the dangers associated with smoking and drug use faced by adults, younger people are susceptible to even more dangers. In addition to the possibility of incarceration and becoming institutionalized at any early age, children are at risk for medical problems as well. Children under 16 who smoke are at greater risk for periodontal disease, chronic coughs and other respiratory diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that developing children are at risk for mental retardation and decreased lung growth when they smoke or use drugs at an early age.

Addiction

Most drugs are physically and mentally addicting. Once the voluntary use begins, the addict loses control over the impulses to use more and easily can get caught in a spiral that continues to bring on more consequences. Smoking and using drugs becomes a requirement by the addict until he seeks treatment. Withdrawals can be uncomfortable and require intensive therapy and continued vigilance to overcome.

Psychological

The psychological aspects of addiction are as wide and varied as the medical side effects. Mounting guilt and remorse can drive many addicts to lifestyles and illegal activities and even lead to suicide. Obsession and compulsion are difficult to overcome once the addiction is rooted. While addicts use smoking and drugs as coping mechanisms to handle the changes and challenges they face, they do not learn healthy alternatives and add to the possibility of developing additional mental and physical side effects such as heart disease and bipolar disorder.