Understanding The Effects Of Recreational Drugs On Your Health
Studies show that the effects of recreational drugs include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. Learn more about them.
Drugs are everywhere. You can find them at your favorite nightclub, in the student lounge, or at a rave.
They come in all shapes and sizes: drugs that make you feel happy (ecstasy), give you energy (cocaine), and those that just make your head hurt (LSD).
Whether prescribed by doctors or bought off the street corner, there is no denying that recreational drugs have become an integral part of our society.
But do people know what these substances do to their bodies? If not, read on to learn more about the effects of recreational drugs.
How To Test For Drugs In Your Body
There are a few different ways to test for drugs in your system. The most common is a urine test, detecting both illegal and prescription drugs.
A urine sample is collected in a 12-panel drug test cup and sent to a lab for testing.
A blood test can also be used; however, it is more expensive than urine tests and not as readily available in most clinics or hospitals.
Hair samples are another option, although they aren’t commonly used in drug screening due to the invasiveness of the procedure required.
Last but not least, saliva tests are also available for screening purposes though they are used in conjunction with other forms of testing, such as a urine test or blood sample.
How Long Do These Drugs Stay In Your System?
Drugs can stay in your system for different lengths of time depending on the type you’ve taken and how frequently you use them.
In general, the following drugs stay in your system for the following amounts of time:
- Marijuana – Up to 30 days if smoked and up to 90 days if ingested.
- Cocaine – Between one day and two weeks, depending on the frequency of use.
- Ecstasy (MDMA) – One week without treatment; three weeks with treatment.
- Amphetamines – Up to four days.
- Opioids – Between one and three days.
- Benzodiazepines – Up to four days.
Effects Of Recreational Drugs
These drugs can have several short- and long-term effects on your health.
Short-Term Effects
Recreational drugs can have several short-term effects on your health—these range from simple, physical side effects to more severe issues, such as overdose or addiction. These effects include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure;
- Nausea/vomiting;
- Loss of appetite;
- Sleep problems;
- Decreased reaction time Memory loss;
- Anxiety;
- Paranoia;
- Seizures, and even death.
Long-Term Effects
Recreational drugs can also have long-term effects on your health, ranging from mild to severe.
Addiction is one of the most severe side effects associated with drug use, as it changes how a person’s brain reacts to these substances and makes them want more in the future.
Other adverse effects include:
- Liver damage;
- Brain damage;
- Heart problems;
- Respiratory problems;
- Blood-borne diseases.
Drugs That Can Cause Severe Side Effects
Here are the most common drugs and how they can affect your health:
- Ecstasy has been known to damage the blood vessels in users’ brains, leading to strokes or heart attacks.
- Cocaine use can result in respiratory failure and seizures.
- LSD can trigger mental health problems such as anxiety or psychosis.
- Heroin users are often treated for hepatitis C, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases.
- Methamphetamine can cause brain damage, leading to symptoms like memory loss, aggression, tooth decay, increased blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, and death.
- Mushroom use can result in liver failure.
Facts About Recreational Drugs
Most recreational drugs are illegal and can get you in trouble with the law.
Recreational drug use can have severe consequences for your physical and mental health.
Like cocaine and ecstasy, some drugs can be addictive and lead to compulsive drug use.
Drugs can also damage your brain, heart, lungs, and other organs.
Recreational drug use can be deadly, especially if you mix drugs with alcohol or other substances.
How To Get Help
Don’t wait until these adverse effects cause irreversible damage if you’re struggling with drug addiction. Many resources are available to help you get sober and stay that way.
Seek out professional help from your doctor or an addiction specialist, attend support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, or find a rehab center to cater to your needs.
The most important thing is to get help before it’s too late.
If you’re worried about someone else’s drug use, there are ways to get them the help they need. Talk to their friends or family, contact a local addiction specialist or helpline, or take them to a rehab center yourself – whatever it takes to save their life.
The Takeaway
Recreational drug use can have both short- and long-term health effects on your body, ranging from mild to severe, and the severity of these side effects will vary from person to person.
Some drugs are more deadly than others – especially when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
Luckily, there are many resources available for people struggling with addiction and loved ones worried about someone else’s drug use.
