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The use of drugs can favor the occurrence of several diseases, such as endocarditis, renal failure, respiratory and infectious diseases that can be transmitted sexually or through the sharing of contaminated needles.
The severity of the disease caused by the drug depends on the type and amount of drug taken, which tends to increase over time due to dependence. Illnesses usually appear a few months after the start of drug use, and are usually preceded by behavioral changes. Know the signs of drug use.
Identifying that the person is using drugs is extremely important, as this will not only prevent diseases, but also prevent overdoses and improve the person's quality of life. Know what an overdose is and when it happens.
The main diseases associated with the consumption of legal and illegal drugs are:
1. Behavioral disorders
Drugs can have stimulating, depressing or disturbing effects on the nervous system, which can result in depression, euphoria or a loss of sense of reality, for example, depending on the drug used.
Stimulating drugs, such as crack and cocaine, are those that provoke in a short period of time intense euphoria, excitement, decreased sleep, emotional lack of control and loss of sense of reality. On the other hand, depressants, such as heroin for example, cause increased sleep, an exaggerated sensation of calm, decreased reflexes and less ability to reason.
Nervous system drugs are those that cause hallucinations, altered perception of time and space and delusions, such as marijuana, ecstasy and LSD, and are also called hallucinogens or psychodysleptics. Learn more about the effects of drugs.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases
The drug does not lead to the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases directly, however the use of injectable drugs such as heroin, for example, especially when the needle is shared between different people, can increase the chances of developing STDs, such as gonorrhea and syphilis. , for example, since the causative agent of the disease may be present in the bloodstream. Understand more about STDs.
In addition, drug use makes the immune system more susceptible, which can favor HIV infection and the development of AIDS, which can be transmitted from person to person not only through unprotected intimate contact, but also through sharing syringes and needles. Find out everything about AIDS and HIV.
3. Infectious endocarditis
Infectious endocarditis corresponds to the inflammation of the tissue that lines the heart, being caused by bacteria, which can reach the heart as a result of STDs or the use of needles contaminated by bacteria, the bacteria being inoculated in the body through the use of injectable drugs in infected syringes.
In endocarditis, the function of the heart valves is compromised, in addition, there may be an increase in the size of the heart, which hinders the passage of blood and can lead to other complications, such as heart failure, stroke and pulmonary embolism, for example. See what are the symptoms of infectious endocarditis and how the treatment is done.
4. Pulmonary emphysema
Pulmonary emphysema is a respiratory disease characterized by loss of elasticity and destruction of the alveoli normally caused by excessive use of cigarettes, but it can also happen due to the inhalation of illicit drugs, such as crack and cocaine, for example.
The dust particles settle in the pulmonary alveoli and hinder gas exchange, which results in breathing difficulties, coughing and shortness of breath. See how to identify pulmonary emphysema.
5. Renal and liver failure
Excessive consumption of both illicit and licit drugs, such as alcoholic beverages, for example, can overload several organs, mainly kidneys and liver, resulting in the insufficiency of these organs.
Problems related to the liver, especially cirrhosis, are related to excessive and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages. See what are the effects of alcohol on the body.
Kidney failure is closely related to the accumulation of toxins in the blood, overloading the kidneys, which fail to filter the blood properly. Understand what kidney failure is.
6. Malnutrition
The use of some types of drugs, especially stimulants, such as crack and cocaine, compromise the system that regulates hunger. Thus, the person does not eat properly and, consequently, is unable to have all the essential nutrients for well-being to be established, becoming malnourished. Know the consequences of malnutrition.
7. Brain impairment
Due to the effect on the nervous system, the constant and excessive use of drugs can cause permanent damage to the brain and destruction of neurons, thus compromising the entire state of health of the person.
See also how treatment is done for drug users.