Drug abuse has many consequences.
In 2010, nearly half of American high school seniors reported abusing some sort of illicit drug in their lifetime. Drug abuse is a growing problem in the U.S. that affects around 13 million Americans. Substance abuse negatively affects the mental, physical and financial health of users. In addition, there are possible legal and social consequences of drug abuse.
Physical Health
Different drugs affect the systems of your body in different ways. Many drugs modify the transmission of neurotransmitters, causing euphoria, stupor, agitation, hallucinations or unconsciousness. Other drugs may change your heart rate or breathing rate. Depending on the drug and the dose, these deviations from normal physiology can be fatal. Two major effects are addiction and dependene. Addiction is a compulsion which dominates your thoughts; your only motivation is to find and take drugs. Dependence occurs when your body needs a particular drug to function normally. In essence, the drug has replaced a normal physiologic process. If you suddenly stop taking a drug on which you are chemically dependent, you will suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and be unable to function normally.
Mental Health
Drug abuse is likely to lead to depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide. This is especially true for adolescents. Substance abuse can also cause developmental delays, behavioral problems and loss of short term memory. Long-term drug abuse can lead to more severe mental problems, including seizures, sleep disruption and permanent memory loss. Many drugs cause a lack of inhibition. Users of these drugs are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, many of which increase the risk of contracting serious diseases, like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Driving while under the influence of drugs is also a serious risk.
Financial Health
In addition to being a considerable drain on the user's finances, drug abuse is a financial burden to society in general. People who abuse drugs are more likely to lose their jobs and are less likely to find new employment. There are also costs associated with health care, including rehabilitation and treatment for addiction. Governments and institutions also have significant costs due to drug abuse. This is then passed down to the taxpayer or consumer.
Social and Legal Consequences
Substance abuse changes the way you interact with other people. Drug addicts are more likely to withdraw from their interpersonal relationships. Simultaneously, drug abuse is illegal and has potentially serious legal consequences. If you are convicted of a drug-related crime, you will have difficulty finding a job, obtaining various licenses or traveling out of the country.
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