The Long-Term Effects of Substance Abuse on the Body

As a provider of health services in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, we have witnessed both immediate and long-term effects of drug and alcohol abuse on the body. While the immediate effects of substance abuse are more visible, it is the long-term effects that cause the most damage.

In observance of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, we have enumerated some long-term effects of substance abuse on the body.

• Cardiovascular disease
  Prolonged drug use can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Drug abuse can also cause high blood pressure, which severely affects the heart and arteries.
• Liver disease
  Long-term drug and alcohol use can lead to liver complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, and prolonged substance abuse can deter its function.
• Respiratory disease
  Substance abuse can cause numerous respiratory problems. Smoking, for example, can lead to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Inhaling drugs like cocaine and heroin can also damage the lungs.
• Brain damage
  Substance abuse can lead to long-term neurological problems. Prolonged drug use can cause memory loss, impaired judgment, and decreased cognitive function, which is often irreversible.
• Mental health issues
  Prolonged substance abuse is linked to numerous mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Substance abuse can also exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions.

At Primus Incorporated, we render comprehensive healthcare services in Minnesota to help individuals overcome substance abuse and achieve lasting recovery.

Get in touch with us to avail of our living services.