The abuse of alcohol and drugs can cause many serious medical conditions. Drug abuse can include the use of street drugs, as well as prescription drugs when they are not used in a manner prescribed by a physician. Drugs can be found as liquid, pills, patches, powder, injectables and inhalants.
Physical Changes
Individuals risk many physical changes to their body when they abuse alcohol or any other drug. According to MayoClinic.com, physical health risks include liver disorders, digestive problems, heart disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, menstrual dysfunction, eye disease, bone loss, peripheral neurological complications, dementia, short-term memory loss and an increased risk of cancer. Both long- and short-term health risks will depend upon the type of drug used. For instance, according to DrugsLine.com, effects of heroin include respiratory failure and changes to the menstrual cycle, while effects of cocaine include long-term changes to the nervous system.
Accidents
According to the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at the University of North Carolina, more than half of drowning and fatal falls are alcohol- or drug-related. Eighty percent of patients in burn centers and half of all physical injuries on college campuses have injuries that are related to alcohol use. Continued overuse of alcohol and drugs will increase the potential that an individual will also experience physical injury.
Relationships and Work
According to the MayoClinic.com, individuals who experience drug addiction are more likely to commit suicide than people who have not been addicts. Their behavioral changes will also affect marital, family and custody issues. Students will find that academic performance suffers and they lose their motivation to excel in school while adults will experience a decline in work performance and an increase in absenteeism.
Legal
Individuals who use drugs and alcohol also likely will find themselves on the wrong side of many legal issues. Possession of heroin can put a user behind bars for several years while supplying heroin to other users can carry a life term depending on the severity of the offense. The abuse of drugs or alcohol will also increase the risk that the individual will engage in high-risk activities, including theft and violent crimes.
Financial
Individuals who suffer from substance abuse will also suffer financial consequences. Both drugs and alcohol are expensive habits that will take away from the money required to care for other needs of a family or individual. Increasing use of alcohol or drugs can lead to further illegal or unethical behavior to support the substance abuse.
