Drug abuse can affect individuals, relationships and society, but the specific effects depend on the specific drug of abuse. Both street drugs and legal drugs, such as prescription medication or legally purchased alcohol, can be abused and can contribute to problems for the individual involved. Drug addicts may have extreme difficulty quitting and in some cases it may be nearly impossible without the intervention of treatment programs and psychological counseling. Nonetheless, the harmful effects of drug abuse are serious enough that efforts to prevent drug dependence and help individuals who desire to stop using drugs are worthwhile.
Health Problems
Depending on the specific type of drug abused, health problems may take a range of forms, according to Medline Plus. Some drug abusers become addicted, suffering withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to quit using the drug. Amphetamines, for example, cause immediate health issues including a rapid heart rate, weight loss and sleep disturbances. On the other hand, alcoholics may develop liver disease over long periods of use. Injected drugs such as heroin raise the risk of an individual contracting infectious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis. Hallucinogens such as LSD remain within the body for years after the initial use, potentially causing flashbacks. Many drugs can cause death if the user takes too much of them.
Relationship Effects
Because drugs often alter the behavior of the user, relationships frequently suffer from the effects of drug abuse. Some drugs, such as cocaine, may cause some users to become violent, making domestic abuse more likely. In other cases, the drug user may shirk off responsibilities, upsetting friends and family members. Because drug addicts often must spend large amounts of money to continue to acquire drugs, drug users frequently find themselves in financial trouble, which can add to marital stress. Drugs that alter inhibitions, such as alcohol, can contribute to unwise decisions that can stress relationships, including imprudent sexual activity and risk-taking behavior.
Social Effects
Many individuals who abuse drugs end up committing criminal acts to support their drug habit. The National Drug Intelligence Center maintains that parents who abuse drugs often neglect or abuse, either physically or mentally, the children in their care. Children of addicts tend to go without proper dental and medical care, including not receiving all of their childhood vaccinations on schedule. These children are also more likely to go without proper food and shelter and may be inadvertently exposed to the drugs that their parents are using. The maintenance of law enforcement programs to combat community drug use requires taxpayer money at both the local and federal levels.
