How Addiction Impacts Other Health Risks

Continuous drug use can deteriorate a person’s mind both psychologically and neurologically, often worsening or leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, depression and even psychosis.
Substance abuse can lead to tooth decay and serious dental problems, with tobacco use being strongly linked to several oral and esophageal cancers.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems, including numerous types of cancer throughout the body.
Drug abuse can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of infection and expose a person to HIV, hepatitis and skin infections, especially with drugs that are injected.
The use of most drugs and alcohol impacts the health of the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke and death.
By inhaling or smoking drugs, an individual’s lungs are damaged, and the risk of lung cancer, disease or bronchitis is increased as well.
Drugs and alcohol, especially when combined, damage the liver and can potentially lead to liver disease, cancer and inflammation.
Chronic substance abuse can lead to kidney disease, organ damage and long-term impairment.
Drug abuse over a long period can cause permanent problems with the reproductive system such as infertility and sexual dysfunction.
Hard drugs, particularly methamphetamines, can lead to skin sores, scars and other serious skin conditions.