Addiction to drugs can take a heavy toll on the addict as well as on his family. There are many potential medical complications, which depend on the type of drug used and the route by which it is taken. Some drugs have long lasting psychological effects. Addictive drugs can have detrimental effects on the addict's ability to function in society, earn a living and maintain relationships with his friends and family.
Medical Complications
Drugs taken intravenously, such as IV heroin, can cause bacterial infections of the heart, which can then spread throughout the bloodstream, infect other organs and lead to death. Cocaine can cause spasm of arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," infection with hepatitis and HIV are common among IV drug users, especially when they share needles. HIV can lead to AIDS, an immunocompromised state where the patient is susceptible to many life threatening infections. As MayoClinic.com explains, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer of the liver.
As the "National Institute on Drug Abuse" explains, no organ or system in the body is spared by drug abuse. Lung infections, kidney failure and damage to the muscles are but some of the potential complications of various drugs, caused either by their direct effect or by infections associated with their use.
Psychiatric and Neurological Complications
Cocaine can lead to prolonged depression that doesn't remit even after the drug is stopped. As "Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry" explains, hallucinogenics such as LSD can lead to persistent hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms, long after the drug is taken. Inhalants such as glue and gasoline, drugs often used by homeless youths, can lead to coma and permanent brain damage. Alcohol can lead to permanent brain damage, with symptoms such as impaired memory, confusion, tremor and gait disturbances. PCP can cause persistent depression and memory difficulties.
Social Complications
Patients who are addicted to drugs may not be able to maintain normal functioning in any area of life. Even if a person remains functional, personal and financial difficulties are often present. The addict's family often suffers from violence, both physical and emotional, perpetrated by the addict while under the influence of drugs. Functioning at work or school may be impaired, and may lead to unemployment and dropping out of an educational path. Obtaining money to buy drugs often takes precedence over everything else, including caring for the well being of the addict's children. Drug addiction often leads to a life on the margins of society, with risky behaviors and outright criminal conduct. Since many abused drugs are illegal, their use often has legal consequences, including prolonged incarceration.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edition"; Anthony Fauci et al.; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Hepatitis C
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse
