Outline on the Consequences of Drug Abuse

The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy outlines the human toll of drug abuse, reporting 38,371 drug-related deaths in 2007 and approximately 2 million emergency room admissions in 2008 due to illicit drug use. Drug abuse also wreaks havoc on personal relationships, and a felony drug conviction makes it difficult for a former addict to secure gainful employment.

Dependency

• After an addict's voluntary experimentation with drugs, neurochemical effects trigger changes within his brain, which profoundly affect his personality and cognitive function. Euphoria-inducing drugs often achieve their effect by triggering an overflow of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that naturally produces feelings of pleasure. The user's brain soon produces less dopamine when exposed to a specific dosage, creating a vicious cycle in which an addict has to increase the drug intake to reach euphoria. This also impairs natural dopamine production, resulting in the addict's inability to take pleasure in spending time with friends and family, or engaging in pursuits once enjoyed.

Health Risks

• Stimulants such as crystal meth and cocaine immediately increase a user's heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of a seizure or heart attack. Additionally, WebMD reports cocaine can constrict the brain's blood vessels, causing a stroke, and long-term use destroys the tissue within nasal passages. Narcotics such as heroin and prescription pain medications are highly addictive, and a nonlethal overdose can cause convulsions or render the user comatose.

Threat to Employment

• Most companies conduct preemployment drug screening, effectively barring unemployed drug abusers from gaining employment. Employers may also randomly test employees or conduct a drug test after an accident on the job. The Department of Labor notes employers also have the latitude to test an employee if they have reasonable suspicion regarding an employee, usually based upon visible signs of impairment. An employee who fails a drug test may be allowed to retain employment by successfully completely a rehabilitation program; however, in many circumstances, failing a drug test is grounds for immediate termination.

Legal Consequences

• Mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses varies among states, but sentencing is based on the amount of the illicit substance the user is convicted of possessing -- and even relatively small amounts can lead to a felony conviction and years behind bars. Convicted felons lose the right to vote and hold elected office, and can no longer legally own firearms. In many states, convicted drug offenders are ineligible for public assistance programs until they satisfactorily serve probation or complete court-ordered treatment programs.