Drugs and alcohol can negatively affect a person’s health. So, it is good for those using drugs or alcohol to try as much as possible to deal with drug abuse and alcohol addiction. Doing so will help them avoid the long-term effects of using alcohol and drugs which include:
- Strokes and high blood pressure
- Liver and pancreas problems
- An urge to take more and more alcohol or drugs to enjoy their effects
- Erectile dysfunction
- Some cancers like bowel cancer, liver cancer, and mouth cancer
- Orgasm problems
- Drug and alcohol dependence which means that you have to use alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawal symptoms such as feeling cold, sick, shaky, or sweaty when you don’t take alcohol or drugs
- Sudden mood changes
- Losing motivation
- Having a negative outlook on life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Episodes of drug-induced psychosis
- Being secretive
- Relationship problems
Long-term use of alcohol or drugs can lead to serious mental health problems. A person who takes drugs is likely to feel unwell and is more likely to try or harm themselves or even take their own life. There is evidence showing that certain drugs are likely to lead to mental illness for the first time. For instance, research shows that cannabis increases the chances of developing psychosis or a psychotic disorder.
Drugs and Effects
Now, we are going to look at those substances that can negatively affect your mental health. However, keep in mind that this list is not a comprehensive list of these substances.
Drug abuse is harmful to a person’s health. Substances can sometimes have bad interactions with any medications or other substances a person uses. Make sure to check out an alcoholic therapy if you or your loved ones need it.
Cannabis
Cannabis, also known as bhang, bud, ganja, draw, herb, hash, pot, marijuana, weed, or skunk is among the most popular drugs among those who use drugs in England. A certain study shows that 1 out of 13 people between 16-59 years used cannabis last year. Most of those who use cannabis are aged between 16-24 years.
According to the same study, fewer than 1 out of 5 young people used cannabis between 2018 and 2019. Some take cannabis to help them feel happy or relaxed. However, cannabis can make a person using it feel paranoid or anxious. Some of those who use cannabis experience things that are not real which is a sign of drug-induced psychosis. According to some studies, the following can increase the risk of psychosis:
- Those that use cannabis for a long time
- Using ‘high-strength’ cannabis such as skunk
If you have been using cannabis and feel like it has negatively affected your health, contact your GP as soon as possible. The doctor shouldn’t judge you or tell others that you use cannabis.
Alcohol
Alcohol use can also lead to mental problems. Alcohol is easier to get as it is legal and can worsen the feelings of some mental health issues. The long-term effects of alcohol depend on the amount you take and how regularly you take it. Drinking too much alcohol regularly can make you physically or mentally harm yourself.
Taking alcohol can make you do something that you wouldn’t normally do including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Alcohol use can also cause psychosis. So, if you take too much alcohol, it is good to seek professional help so that you can quit and live a sober life as a professional knows how to help people like you.