What are the Physical Effects of Substance Abuse?

The body undergoes enormous changes when it is continually abused by drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Various illegal and legal drugs taken without medical supervision damage most all of the organs, from the liver and kidneys to the heart and lungs. Addicts may be exposed to a variety of infectious diseases including HIV. Fatal diseases like cancer and respiratory failure also are potential side effects of substance abuse. Body temperature and appetite often are affected and create additional health problems.

Organ Damage

Chronic abuse of many drugs, including heroin, alcohol, inhalants and steroids, can create the conditions for liver failure. Needle usage causes side effects that include collapsed veins and abscesses that can become infected. Liver and kidney failure are common side effects of long-term heroin abuse. The kidneys become damaged when they can no longer respond properly to increased body temperatures and high doses of toxins from drugs and alcohol consumption. Smoking marijuana causes serious respiratory infections and can lead to respiratory problems. Asphyxiation, choking and suffocation can occur when the air in the lungs becomes displaced by inhalants.

Death

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that deaths related to substance abuse are on the rise, nearly doubling from 1980 to 2009. Death is a potential side effect of inhaling the concentrated chemicals in solvents and aerosol spray cans. Accidental overdoses from heroin, cocaine and other drugs add to the number of deaths, as well as automobile accidents and associated social violence. An overdose of prescription painkillers can cause a severe respiratory reaction and death. AIDS and hepatitis C are common causes of death and disease in the drug community, which often shares needles and sexual partners. Ingredients that are mixed with street drugs like heroin can clog the arteries leading to major organs such as the lungs, liver and brain and result in infections that cause death.

Quality of Life

While many people avoid some of the more dire consequences of substance abuse such as organ failure and death, the quality of life experienced by substance abusers is compromised by the physical side effects of the drugs. The Mayo Clinic cites increased heart rate and high blood pressure as side effects of marijuana use, and slurred speech, decreased blood pressure and memory impairment as common side effects of barbiturate abuse. Cocaine and speed damage the mucus membranes in the nose and are associated with rapid weight loss and depression. Hallucinogens like LSD and ecstasy can cause permanent brain damage and tremors.