MedlinePlus says that drug addiction, also known as drug dependence, is a condition in which you crave a certain drug because of its effects. You can become addicted to painkillers such as codeine and demorol. You can also become addicted to illicit drugs such as heroin, phencylcidine (PCP) and cocaine. Some medications such as methamphetamine and methylphenidate are also addicting. There are specific effects that can occur when you are addicted to drugs.
HIV and AIDS
Drug addiction can lead to exposure to fatal diseases. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS) are potentially fatal medical conditions that may have been acquired through infected needles from drug use. Early HIV manifestations include a headache, fever, sore throat, rash and swollen glands. As the virus progresses in your body, it can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, shortness of breath and swollen lymph nodes. HIV turns into AIDS when your CD4 cells (type of cells that defend against infection) reach a count of less than 200 via an HIV and AIDS blood test.
Symptoms of AIDS includes night sweats, a dry cough, headaches, unintentional weight loss, blurry vision, chronic infections and shortness of breath. Zidovudine, atazanavir, delavirdine and raltegravir are just of a few of the many medications that can be used in combination to help stop the progression of HIV or AIDS. Unfortunately, there is no cure.
Depression
Drug addiction can lead to depression. MedlinePlus indicates that depression occurs when you experience five or more of the following depression symptoms for about two weeks: feelings of sadness, worthlessness and pessimism. You can also sleep more or sleep less than usual and have changes in your appetite. Various medications can be used to manage depression. For example, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are classes of antidepressant drugs used to treat depression. Along with medications, you can also seek help through counseling and can manage symptoms through simple lifestyle changes. You should exercise, eat well and develop supportive relationships.
Hepatitis C
Contaminated needles from drug addiction can also lead to Hepatitis C. According to the Mayo Clinic, hepatitis C is an infection that can potentially destroy your liver. Manifestations of hepatitis C include fever, fatigue, nausea and right-sided stomach tenderness. Sometimes, no treatment is necessary if hepatitis C is mild. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe certain antiviral medications to stop the viral infection. A severely damaged liver necessitates a liver transplant.
