Health Effects of Addiction
Addiction is a disease, and like any other disease, it can have numerous effects on a person’s health.
Physically, many people can lose weight as a result of their substance use. This is because they direct their time and resources toward their addiction instead of food or because some substances can suppress a person’s appetite. Many people also lose physical strength as a result of their addiction as they neglect self-care activities such as exercise in favor of using drugs.
Some substances can also weaken a person’s immune system, which can make them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Speaking of infections, people who use substances that are injected will often share needles, which can foster the spread of communicable diseases.
Some drugs can also change a person’s appearance. For example, long-term cocaine use can cause enough nasal damage that a person’s nose can collapse.
Addiction and mental health are closely linked, and drugs and alcohol can affect a person’s mental health.
Many substances can cause a person to develop the symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, or delirium. People who already have underlying conditions can have their symptoms worsen as a result of the substances that they consume.