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Side Effects of Long-Term Drug Abuse

Drug abuse takes a toll on the addict's body, affecting the heart, the lungs and even the skin. Even the brain is affected--it's unable to process information properly and sends alternate signals of mania and depression. Here are some of the side effects of long-term drug abuse.

  1. Cognitive Difficulties

    • Long-term drug abuse affects cognitive function. Drugs can block information from being transferred properly through the brain or create messages that the brain reads inaccurately. The addict no longer reacts to everyday life with a realistic view, because the brain is unable to react appropriately. Fortunately, the brain can recover and repair itself when the addict abstains and recovers from the addiction.

    Heart Problems

    • Long-term drug abuse can cause heart issues. Three common problems for long-term drug addicts are exaggerated heart rate, high blood pressure and vein ruptures. The heart rate increases due to drug use and places undue strain on the muscles of the heart. Blood-pressure elevation can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Vein ruptures can range from a nuisance to a fatality depending upon the location and severity.

    Mood Swings

    • Long-term drug abuse can cause mood swings in the addict. The repetitive cycle of addiction creates highs and lows for the individual. The highs are very high and the lows are disturbingly low, to the point that the drug abuser may consider suicide. Many recovering addicts, with a doctor's supervision, may use prescription medication to balance their manic and depressive moods and alleviate the volatile mood swings.

    Respiratory Complications

    • Respiratory side effects can entail anything from a simple cough to an upper respiratory infection, and can continue to full-blown lung failure. Complications can include nosebleeds, a persistent cough and bronchial inflammation. The drug that has been abused directly correlates with the type of respiratory complication and its severity. With recovery, the addict's chances of healing are good.

    Skin Disorders

    • Because the skin is an organ, it is also affected by long-term drug abuse. An addict's skin will appear red and splotchy on the surface. The increased heart rate causes the skin to receive a faster supply of blood, which will sometimes pool in the veins and arteries to create the red appearance. Most long-term drug abusers will have skin conditions similar to those of alcoholics, because most addicts will use both substances.

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