Effects of Long-Term Drug Abuse
Long-term drug abuse is not only physically dangerous, but it is also emotionally devastating on many levels for both the drug addict and those who interact with him on a regular basis, such as friends, family, and co-workers. But why would a Kansas City resident continue using drugs, even when faced with negative consequences, like health problems or emotional distress? Unfortunately, that is the nature of an addiction, that a person becomes obsessed with a substance, such as alcoholic beverages, prescription narcotics, or illegal drugs, and despite financial ruin and broken relationships; for addicts, nothing matters more than finding and using their drug of choice.
What Causes Long-Term Drug Use in Kansas City?
There are many possible scenarios that may lead to long-term drug use. For instance, Kansas City residents who take prescription narcotics to manage pain and do so for many years may develop tolerance, and subsequently addictions. Furthermore, some Kansas City citizens who experiment with illegal drugs find that the hold of the drug was much stronger than they anticipated, and they are unable to break free from the cycle of abuse.
What Are the Health Problems Associated with Long-term Drug Use in Kansas City?
There are many health problems associated with long-term drug abuse. These include but are not limited to what is described in the following list, which highlights the effects of some commonly abused drugs:
- Marijuana use may cause infertility, weakening of the immune system, cognitive memory problems, and lung damage.
- Narcotics may cause impotence, respiratory depression, and in the case of overdose, seizures or death.
- Cocaine may lead to seizures, tremors, or psychosis.
- Alcoholism may cause liver disease, alcohol poisoning, and high blood pressure.
These are only a few examples, however, and there are many more addictive substances that cause various health problems.
How to Prevent the Long-term Effects of Drug Use
The best method for preventing the long-term effects of drug use is for the addict to join a drug addiction treatment program. Professional treatment offers the best chance for long-term recovery. No matter the substance of addiction and no matter the severity of the addiction, a treatment center can help. Integrated and holistic treatment centers offer programs with professionals who keep in mind the fact that drug addiction is more than a physical problem. These programs are designed to treat the whole person and his or her mind, body, spirit connection, so that underlying issues are resolved and chances of relapse diminish. Many Kansas City residents have benefited from addiction treatment, and you can too.
Finding Treatment for Long-term Drug Abuse for Kansas City Residents
No matter how far an addiction has progressed, professional treatment can help. For more information, just call our toll-free helpline to receive instant support from one of our addiction professionals, who can connect you to the treatment program that is right for you or your loved one. We can also check your insurance to let you know what level of addiction coverage is offered by your provider. All calls are free and confidential, and we are available 24/7 to take your call. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us at anytime. We are eager and willing to help.
Drug Addiction and Physical Health
Drug use can have a significant negative impact on a Kansas City resident’s physical health, and addiction can lead to death. Unfortunately these dangers are often underestimated. Users may believe drug use is safe because they feel good while on drugs or they are addicted to a prescription drug that was first acquired through a medical professional. They may simply be in denial of the long-term effects addiction can have on their health. Drug addiction leads down a spiral of diminishing health.
What Health Problems Do Drugs Cause?
Any drug addiction is accompanied by medical issues that will develop and worsen for the duration of use. Sometimes even short-term drug use can be deadly for Kansas City residents, as there may be an allergic reaction, a bad first-time use or an overdose. The following are more specific effects of drug addiction:
- Amphetamines can lead to serious heart problems and seizures. They can also cause extreme fatigue, hallucinations and brain damage.
- Ecstasy can increase body temperature and cause high blood pressure and heart wall stress. Prolonged use of the drug will destroy the cells that produce serotonin, the chemical that regulates mood, appetite, pain and memory.
- Heroin and other opioid drugs can slow the respiratory system to the point of death. Addiction to heroin is difficult to overcome and puts people at a greater risk for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and other dangerous infections and diseases.
- Steroids can lead to heart and liver disease, and use is commonly linked with suicide.
- Cocaine can cause heart disease, stroke, seizures, respiratory failure, severe depression, paranoia and a wide range of other mental health disorders.
The dangers of drug use increase when multiple drugs are being used simultaneously. Drug interactions can be unpredictable. Overdose is common in these scenarios, making the already dangerous act of abusing a drug become potentially deadly.
How Do You Prevent Drugs from Harming Your Health?
The best way to minimize the impact of drug addiction on your body is to get help and get clean. The longer an addiction lasts the worse the impact on the body. Enroll in a holistic program of rehab, where professionals can help you regain your physical health through a program of detox and give you training in how to eat right and exercise. Rehab addresses more that physical health, as it will help uncover any root issues that may be contributing to the addiction. It may also be necessary to retrain your brain and treat any co-occurring mental health issue. You can get free from drug addiction and get your life in Kansas City back when you have the right help. A quality rehab program can give you the tools you need to get clean and stay clean.
Drug Addiction Help for Kansas City Residents
Are you or someone you know struggling with a drug problem and worried about the physical harm it might be causing? Know that you are not alone. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and get you the help you need. Please don’t wait, call our toll-free helpline today.
