Simply using an addictive substance creates changes within the body that impact your health. This is due to the effects of the drug, including the “high” and the “come down.” Effects also vary by the type of drug. For instance, cannabis can cause relaxation, lethargy, and reduced blood pressure, while cocaine increases energy levels and feelings of confidence. A “come down” from the high can make you feel fatigued, flat, and depressed.
Even if you have only been using a drug for a short period of time, you could experience effects on your physical health, such as:
- Heart rate changes
- Blood pressure changes
- Appetite changes
- Heart attack or stroke
- Psychosis
- Death
While it’s possible to quickly develop an addiction to a drug, especially to highly addictive drugs, ongoing use is one of the factors that increases the likelihood of addiction. Long-term drug use can lead to many health problems, such as:
- Cancer
- Hepatitis
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Organ decline
- Effects to the nervous system and other body systems
- Skin lesions
- Hair problems, such as baldness or facial hair in women
- Disability
- Early death
