Effects Of Drug Abuse 1

Effects Of Drug Abuse

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Introduction

Drugs are chemical substances that alter the normal functioning of one’s body and mind. Drug

abuse refers to the misuse of drugs with the aim of stimulating the brain. Drugs are taken in

various ways such as injection, inhalation as well as ingestion. This paper discusses the various

effects of drug abuse both long-term and short-term.

Short-term effects

These are the various effects of drug abuse on an individual involving short duration. They

include; loss of appetite, insomnia, loss of coordination, dysarthria and altered cognitive ability.

Change in eating habits could be loss of or increased appetite. Loss of appetite weakens an

individual’s body thus and may have relative symptoms such as malnutrition and weight loss.

Sleeplessness refers to inability to sleep or unusual awakeness. It is called insomnia. Insomnia

can have different effects on the brain such as lack of concentration, loss of memory and mood

swings.
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Dysarthria, also known as slurred speech is the change in speech pattern. The symptoms that

affect one’s speech pattern can also have varying effects on the other body systems. These are

difficulties in balancing the body, blurred vision and inability to read and write.

Long-term effects

These are the long lasting effects that drug abuse can have on an individual. They include

depression, hallucinations and anxiety. Depression is a disorder that changes one’s mood,

behavior and feelings and interferes with the person’s daily activities. It is characterized by

persistent anger and disinterest. Drug abuse victims may suffer depression in their lives even

once the effects of drugs fade.

Drug abuse victims also experience hallucinations when on substances such as cocaine. An

individual can also experience hallucinations when he or she promptly stops using the drugs.

Anxiety has a great impact on one’s ability to function in their daily activities. People with

anxiety disorder tend to use substances to sustain their symptoms. Anxiety is characterized by

restlessness, lack of concentration as well as sleeplessness.

Conclusion

Drug abuse is a serious problem all over the world. It has immensely caused human distress and

increased crime rates. Drug abuse also causes family instability resulting from domestic violence

which leads to family breakup.

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References

 Medicalnewstoday.com. 2021. Effects Of Drug Abuse: Physical And Psychological. [online]

Available at: https://www.mMedicalnewstoday.com.

 Yellayi, S., 2021. The Physical & Mental Effects Of Drug Abuse | Gateway Foundation. [online]

Gateway. Available at: <https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/faqs/effects-of-drug-abuse/>

[Accessed 18 January 2021].