Drug addiction is not a simple matter which can be just divided in short and long term effects as there are hidden psychological, economic and social components to it. Addiction is described as the harmful effects of excessive reliance on drugs for pleasure and relief of tension. It means that the individual needs the substance at all costs and it is an intense craving. Various type of drug be it alcohol, nicotine or heroin have their own symptoms and consequences in the long run.

1. Drug addiction is not a simple matter which can be just divided in short and long term effects as
there are hidden psychological, economic and social components to it. Addiction is described as
the harmful effects of excessive reliance on drugs for pleasure and relief of tension. It means
that the individual needs the substance at all costs and it is an intense craving. Various type of
drug be it alcohol, nicotine or heroin have their own symptoms and consequences in the long
run.
Drugs can be divided into two types – ones which stimulate, increase alertness and excite the
body like marijuana. On the other hand, alcohol and other tranquilizing drugs cause tension
reduction by depressed physical and psychological functioning.
The stimulant drugs cause agitation, hallucinations, delusions, convulsions and cause death by
overdose in long term. These are amphetamines, heroin, LSD, and Marijuana. They can also lead
to psychotic reactions and possible psychosis in the long run.
Drug consumption causes disorientation, loss of consciousness and death in cases when the
levels of drug-released toxics are high in the
patient’s blood. This happens due to differences
in the ability to metabolize the poisonous
elements or the innate differences in the central
nervous system’s sensitivity to tolerate drugs.
People start drinking alcohol and turn to drugs in
most cases to escape life stresses. This sets up a
vicious circle as the more you go for drugs the
worse the depression becomes. You lose the
sense of time and day and drift further and
further away from family and well wishers. The population of youngsters and women have gone
up considerably in alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, which is a sad trend for any nation.
When compared to men women have less of the specific stomach enzyme (alcohol
hydrogenase) that neutralizes and breaks down alcohol. This means 30% more alcohol enters
the woman’s blood stream hence the increased risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) during
pregnancy. Alcohol leads to severe liver damage in the long run resulting in death due to
bleeding and can also cause cancer. Drinking excessively thickens the blood and can lead to
blood clots which in turn increase the risk of heart strokes.

2. Drugs cause the death of brain cells which in turn block effective memory formation and dull
the five senses. The immune system is weakened and infection fighting cells are not able to
function properly. In men, it changes hormone levels causing lower sex drive and enlarged
breast. In women, menstrual cycle becomes irregular and causes ovaries to malfunction.
Long-term substance abuse causes changes in the chemical formations and systems of the brain
as well. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that influences the reception ability and the faculty to
learn. Drug abuse disturbs the proper concentration of glutamate leading the brain to attempt
bringing back the lost pleasures which can impair cognitive function. Drug addicts gradually
start losing the faculty to discriminate between reality and dreams and start hallucinating in
ordinary circumstances. They become irritable, dull and dormant and soon lose the ability to
focus, think in an organized manner and plan their actions constructively. They experience
insatiable cravings when they see a place or person they associate with the memory of drug
consumption.
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