Drugs are limited not only to psychological effects but also can be detrimental to the body. The damage caused by drug abuse can be widespread and possibly long-term. In some instances, the relation between drug intake and physiological effects are not clear, according to Dr. Reena Mehra and colleagues in Archives of Internal Medicine in July of 2006. But as a precautionary note, it is not advisable to dismiss drug abuse as safe, according to the research.
Lungs
According to scientific research, the link between marijuana smoking and lung cancer is unclear. However, the researchers note that that smoking marijuana affects preliminaries for cancer in the human body, such as changes in cellular activity. Thus, people are advised to abstain from smoking marijuana to avoid lung cancer until the research is more definitive. According to Dr. Jeanette Tetrault and colleagues in February of 2007 in Archives of Internal Medicine, marijuana smoking affects the lungs in terms of increased coughing, increased mucous production, and wheezing. These effects were found to be related specifically to marijuana, although co-occurring tobacco use was present.
Heart
Drugs are known to negatively affect the heart. For example, cocaine can cause damage to the large coronary arteries and create a toxic environment for muscle tissue within the heart, according to Dr. Phillip Dattilo and colleagues in February of 2008 in Annals of Emergency Medicine. For those addicted to cocaine, certain drugs may be prescribed to help reduce damage to the heart.
Immune System
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body and fighting off illness and disease, according to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. People who use drugs run the risk for a compromised immune system. For example, those who used ecstasy or marijuana had a greater chance of incurring mild infections such as the common cold, mild urine infections and infection of the sinuses, according to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.
Teeth
Extensive dental decay is common among methamphetamine users. This condition is commonly referred to as "meth mouth," according to J. Shanner and colleagues in March 2006 in AIDS Patient Care and STDs.
Other Effects
Drugs, particularly methamphetamine abuse, can lead to stroke, according to Shanner and colleagues. Further, they also note that methamphetamine abusers are more likely to contract HIV and hepatitis B and C through unsafe sexual and needle sharing practices while under the influence.
References
- Archives of Internal Medicine: The Association Between Marijuana Smoking and Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
- Archives of Internal Medicine: Effects of Marijuana Smoking on Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Complications: A Systematic Review
- Annals of Emergency Medicine: Beta-Blockers Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Myocardial Infarction After Cocaine Use
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre: The Health and Psychological Effects of "Ecstasy"
- AIDS Patient Care and STDs: Meth Mouth: Rampant Caries in Methamphetamine Abusers
