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Long Term Effects of Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Many people aren't aware of the long-term effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Here are just a few of the diseases and disorders associated with drug and alcohol abuse.

  1. Pancreatitis

    • Long-time drinkers can suffer a very painful illness called pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that aids in the digestion of sugar.

    Diabetes

    • Most regular drinkers are overweight, which can lead to the onset of diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disorder that affects the way the body processes sugar. This can lead to a very restricted diet and potentially severe health complications.

    Stroke

    • Heavy drinking causes the blood to thicken and increases that chances of the blood clotting. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, which can be caused by blood clots. Prolonged cocaine use can also increase the chances of a stroke.

    Psychosis

    • A long-term effect of using methamphetamine, a stimulant drug that causes intense euphoria, can result in psychosis. This includes but is not limited to feelings of paranoia and hallucinations as well as memory loss and severe dental problems.

    LSD Flashbacks

    • LSD is a psychedelic drug that can cause visions of color and hallucinations. Prolonged use of LSD can result in what is called "LSD Flashbacks" years after a user has stopped taking the drug.

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