Side Effects of Drug Addiction

Different drugs may have different side effects on overall physical and mental health, but the overall basic behavior pattern is often the same regardless of the particular substance that is being abused. The biggest side effect may be that the act of obtaining and using the drug becomes the most important thing in an addict’s life, more important than family, friends, career and religion. Drug addicts are often physical and emotional wrecks as a consequence of their lifestyle and habit. A full-blow drug addiction makes it almost impossible to function normally. An addict’s reasoning and judgment can be so impaired from the side effects of their addiction that they are a danger themselves and others, making them very difficult to approach on the subject of treatment.

Drug abuse affects the brain and body directly and the effects of abuse and addiction are usually quite apparent. Drug abuse of any kind affects the entire body from blood pressure to pulse rate. Cocaine and methamphetamine are stimulants and speed the addict up, increasing his blood pressure and overall metabolism. Addicts are often nervous and irritable. Conversely, opiate and barbiturate drugs slow the body down and reduce heart rate and blood pressure. On high doses, breathing can be reduced to dangerous levels.

Although all drug addicts abuse their particular drug of choice for temporary good sensations or feelings, the mental and emotional side effects can be long-lived and will vary depending on the drug used. Some of the general effects of drug abuse and addiction include:

* Unnaturally agitated behavior
* Extreme restlessness
* Inability to relax or sleep
* Extreme talkativeness
* Confusion and disorientation
* Slow or slurred speech
* Loss of coordination
* Extreme slow reaction time
* Inappropriate moods
* Drastic weight loss or gain
* Excessive sleep
* Chronic sinus and nose problems
* Coughing blood
* Rapid dental deterioration
* Rapid anger to point of violence
* Paranoid delusions
* Extreme depression
* Hallucinations