Tuesday, March 25, 2014

How Can Generally Mistreated Drugs Modify The Body

Alcohol


Alcohol may be a legal drug, but that doesn't mean it's not dangerous. According to the American Medical Association, in the year 2000, 85,000 people died alcohol-related deaths--about five times as many as all other intoxicants combined. In the short term, alcohol can impair your judgment, slow your reaction time, cause nausea and unpredictable or reckless behavior. In the long term, alcohol can damage your brain, your liver, your kidneys, increase your likeliness of getting cancer and cause you to develop ulcers and other digestive problems.


Heroin


Heroin is highly addictive. Withdrawal is incredibly uncomfortable and causes sleeplessness, diarrhea and cramping, restlessness and pain. Inexpert injections by heroin users can cause collapsed veins and infections. A high dose can kill a user, and since the dosage of street heroin isn't controlled or regulated, the user can never be sure what sort of dose he is going to get. It can also suppress the immune system and the rate of respiration. In some respects, the most dangerous thing about heroin is that it is illegal. Because it is a street drug, it is often mixed and taken in dangerous ways. Users can get a wide range of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C from sharing needles. Depending what is added to street heroin, it can also damage the brain, liver, blood vessels, kidney or other vital organs.


Methamphetamine and Other Stimulants


Methamphetamine is a commonly abused stimulant. It causes the brain to produce large amounts of the brain cell dopamine and, over time, can damage brain cells. It also increases blood pressure, which can lead to strokes and heart disease. During methamphetamine binges, users may also neglect to eat properly or drink water, calling dehydration, malnutrition and other problems. Cocaine and other stimulants produce similar effects and risks. Methamphetamine can also cause tooth and gum damage, commonly referred to as "meth mouth." Methamphetamine contains caustic chemicals which can dissolve the teeth. It also dries out the salivary glands which causes enables bacteria to thrive inside the mouth. Meth can also inhibit blood flow to the gums, causing them to decay.


MDMA


MDMA, or ecstasy, stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which makes users feel high. Frequent use can damage serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to chronic depression. MDMA can also elevate blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also interferes with the body's ability to regulate its own temperature, which can cause overheating, or hyperthermia. That is particularly true if the user is not drinking enough water. In severe cases, overheating can lead to brain and organ damage, or even death.









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