Substance abuse is a dope sickness. Thousands of lives go down the drain every year, with the overconsumption of drugs or substances giving temporary relief. Generally, people use terms such as substance abuse and addiction synonymously. There is a very fine line difference between both of these terms, on one end substance abuse is a bridge leading to an apocalypse, and addiction itself is an apocalypse.
Addiction is a disease, where the victim can’t stop consuming over-the-counter drugs or illegal substances to provide temporary relief to the self. Whilst, Victims of substance abuse have a chance to walk away from the consumption pattern of drugs and alcohol.
Substance abuse can basically be defined as using-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than they are meant for. The overconsumption of any of these may lead to drug dependence.
Substance abuse has severe and devastating effects on the body and social life of a victim. This article will be insightful regarding the common health conditions faced by the victim of substance abuse.
3 Common Conditions Faced By The Victims Of Substance Abuse
· Gastrointestinal Issues
Oral consumption of alcohol, ADHD medications, and prescribed drugs such as opioids can cause harm to the digestive system. Consumption of opioids may lead to chronic constipation, upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, etc.
GRED, Gastrointestinal reflux disease, is common among people consuming alcohol. Stimulants like cocaine are associated with the cause of mesenteric arterial vasospasm, ischemic colitis, and bowel necrosis. Substance abuse victims are at higher risk of GI cancer, reflux esophagitis, Pancreatitis, etc.
· Respiratory Problems
Smoking tobacco and consumption of opioids damage the alveoli in the lungs and make breathing shallow and slow respectively. The overdose of opioids may lead to hypoxia. The shallow and depressed breathing patterns increase the risk of organ failure. Chronic consumption increases the risk of Streptococcus pneumonia.
· Liver Damage
The constant presence of drugs in the body may overwhelm the liver and interrupt its duties of nutrient metabolism. Alcohol consumption, steroids, heroin, and inhalants open up the spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatohepatitis, severe inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and liver parenchyma which might lead to liver cancer.
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