Long Term Effects of Drug Abuse

Many people who abuse drugs are either genetically predisposed to addiction, have tried drugs at an early age or had a traumatic childhood experience. Drug abuse is often the result of the user trying to escape their reality. But although the user escapes his problems in the short term, there are effects from the abuse that will last long after the high has worn off.

Marijuana

• Although marijuana has been legalized for medicinal use in several U.S. states, it has still been proven to produce long-term effects. The National Institute of Health has done studies which cite that a regular marijuana user (someone who smokes five joints a week) could be inhaling the same amount of cancer-causing chemicals that a pack-a-day smoker inhales. This can potentially lead to lung cancer, as well as other respiratory problems. And according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, users who begin smoking marijuana at an early age may have a higher chance of developing psychosis.

Cocaine

• Cocaine is an incredibly addictive drug, and its long term effects are severe. It stimulates the pleasure center in the brain, releasing high amounts of dopamine. Over time, users gain a tolerance, which increases their frequency and amount of usage. This increases the possibility of long-term side effects, including frequent nosebleeds, severe depression, panic attacks and psychosis. The latter may include auditory hallucinations and a loss of touch with reality. Users who ingest cocaine may also experience bowel gangrene.

Hallucinogens

• Hallucinogens such as LSD, peyote, psylocibin (magic mushrooms) and PCP have been used as spiritual medicine in tribes throughout the world for centuries. Although studies haven't shown these drugs to be addictive, some people still abuse them. In these cases, abusers may suffer flashbacks (long after the "trip" is over), severe depression, schizophrenia or psychosis.

Meth

• Methamphetamine is a white, crystal powder that can be smoked, snorted or intravenously injected. It's a stimulant, which can cause insomnia, malnourishment and liver damage. It also has incredibly damaging effects on a person's physical appearance, causing wrinkles, scabs and rotting teeth, known as meth mouth. Other long term effects include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and psychosis.

Opiates

• Opiates are some of the most addictive drugs known to man, and include prescription medications such as morphine and OxyContin, as well as street drugs such as heroin. Long term side effects from these drugs can include severe constipation, impaired vision, liver disease, skin infection, HIV (from sharing needles), collapsed veins and pneumonia.