There are many health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest with cocaine use, or more subtle and long term, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. Substance abuse can adversely affect sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Alcohol and other drugs used in excess over time can produce dependence, disability, illness, and death. In addition to health-related consequences, substance abuse can cause accidents, injuries, decline in job performance, deterioration of the family structure, domestic violence, financial difficulties, and relationship problems.
| Substance | Health Risk |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | |
| Alcohol | - Damage to the heart, liver inflammations, pancreatitis, & weakened immune system |
| Depressants | |
Depressants (Common Examples: Ambien®, Lunesta®, Sonata®) | - Slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, & slowed breathing - Amnesia (leaving no memory of events that occur while under the influence), reduced reaction time, impaired mental functioning and judgment, & confusion |
Barbiturates (Common Examples: Amytal®, Seconal®) | - Impairment of memory, judgment, and coordination; irritability; & paranoid and suicidal ideation |
Benzodiazepines (Common Examples: Ativan®, Centrax®, Dalmane®, Doral®, Halcion®, Klonopin®, Librium®, Paxipam®, ProSom®, Restoril®, Serax®, Tranxene®, Valium®, Versed®, Xanax®) | - Amnesia, hostility, irritability, & vivid or disturbing dreams |
| Hallucinogens | |
Hallucinogens (Common Examples: Ecstasy/MDMA, LSD, Psilocybin Mushrooms) | - Elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, nausea & vomiting - Fear, depression, anxiety, paranoia, inability to discern fantasy from reality, & panic reactions and a psychotic-like episode |
| Marijuana | |
| Marijuana | - Decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, nausea, tachycardia, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, & suppression of the immune system - Difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, hallucinations, impaired judgment, reduced coordination, & distorted perception |
| Narcotics | |
Fentanyl (Common Examples: Abstral®, Actiq®, Duragesic®, Fentora®, Lazanda®, Subsys®) | - Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, & respiratory depression |
| Heroin | - Drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea, a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, & heavy extremities |
Morphine (Common Examples: Kadian®, MS-Contin®, MSIR®, Oramorph SR®, RMS®, Roxanol®) | - Decrease in hunger, inhibition of cough reflex, cold and clammy skin, lowered blood pressure, sleepiness, slow breathing, & slow pulse rate |
Oxycodone (Common Examples: OxyContin®, OxyIR®) | - Respiratory depression, constipation, papillary constriction, cough suppression, & liver damage |
| Steroids | |
| Steroids | - Shrinkage of the testicles, reduced sperm count, enlargement of the male breast tissue, sterility, & an increased risk of prostate cancer - High cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of coronary artery disease, strokes, & heart attacks |
| Stimulants | |
Amphetamines (Common Examples: Adderall®, Desoxyn®, Dexedrine®, Vyvanse™) | - Increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss of appetite, & physical exhaustion - Psychosis that resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, & auditory and visual hallucinations |
| Cocaine | - Increased blood pressure and heart rate, dilated pupils, insomnia, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat, ischemic heart conditions, sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, & strokes - Restlessness, irritability, anxiety, & paranoia |
| Methamphetamine | - Decreased appetite, rapid breathing and heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, & hyperthermia (overheating) - Violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and psychotic features including paranoia, aggression, visual and auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, & delusions |
(Sources: NIH Alcohol's Effects on the Body & U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Fact Sheets)
The following resources also provide information on the health risks associated with substance abuse:
Campus Drug Prevention Drug Index