Drug and substance abuse has become a major concern all over the world. Many people have engaged themselves in drinking alcohol excessively and also taking other drugs and substances without knowing their negative effects. This has dramatically affected the youth who get entangled in then. Many people just hear of drug effects but have never taken time to understand the real effects and how they can affect their life especially their health. Drugs affect everything that touches your life including your finances, family, social life and health and legal life. Worst cases of addiction have even led to death. Below are some of the ways how alcohol and drugs affect your health.
An effect on your brain
One of the most complex parts of the human body is the brain. Though it takes a small part of your body, it is the most important part, since it controls all the functions in your body. These include physiological and thought processes. Drugs and alcohol have a great effect on the brain since it interferes with the chemicals that make your brain work well.
According to research, when one takes drugs for the first time, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical that makes one feel the urge to take more of the substance. After becoming used to it, your mind gets used to the extra dopamine, and it becomes difficult to work without it. This starts affecting your memory, personality, and other body processes and eventually your mental health.
Dangerous infections
Drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to one contracting dangerous infections which greatly affect your health. A good example is when you take alcohol or drugs and then get to engage in unsafe sex. This leads to one getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases that can have a negative effect on your health. Others share needles when injecting themselves and that leads to spread of diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and also HIV. Many people have gotten these diseases without knowing and have regretted later. There is also the risk of getting other diseases like flu, common colds as well as mono by sharing bongs and pipes.
Weakening the immune system
This is another major effect that drugs and substances have on your health. Your immune system ensures that you do not get diseases easily since it protects you. By becoming addicted and abusing the substances your body’s immune system is greatly affected, and you become exposed to various infections. Further, these substances largely affect your cardiovascular system. This happens when your heart is affected due to abnormal heart rates. This can easily lead to heart attack. The drugs that are injected into your body sometimes leads to collapsing of blood vessels as well as veins.
An effect to the respiratory system
The respiratory system is one of the main parts of a human body. It ensures that you breathe well and ensures that enough air is supplied to your body. Some of the substances that people take affect the lungs and sometimes even lead to lung cancer.
There are many ways on how drugs and alcohol can affect your health. Many organs like the kidney, liver and the pancreases are greatly affected. It is essential for one to drink alcohol with self-control and take only the required levels. It is also crucial to avoid using substances that can lead to addiction and ultimately affect your health.