Health Information
Drug Abuse and Dependence
What Happens
You may not feel that using drugs is a problem. Maybe you feel that you are a casual user because you use drugs only now and then. You may feel that you can stop using drugs at any time.
But drug use quickly can become a habit, and for many people it may lead to Reference abuse Opens New Window and Reference addiction Opens New Window. You may begin to use drugs without thinking about how drugs can harm you and those you care about.
How drugs affect your health
Drugs can cause you to have health problems, such as:
- Reference Overdose Opens New Window and death.
- Heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Depression.
Drugs also can lead to problems with thinking and remembering. They can affect judgment, decision-making, emotions, and learning.
Different drugs harm your body in different ways. Drugs that can cause harm include:
- Reference Cocaine.
- Reference Ecstasy.
- Reference Heroin.
- Reference Inhalants.
- Reference LSD.
- Reference Marijuana.
- Reference Methamphetamine.
How drugs affect your life
You are more likely to have unsafe sex when on drugs, and you may get and spread Reference sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Opens New Window.
If you're pregnant, drugs can pass into your uterus and Reference harm your baby.
Drug use also can lead to problems with your partner, family, or friends. You and your family may feel that you have turned against each other. You may be angry at them, and they may be angry at you. You may do poorly at work or in school, or you may even quit. You also can have legal problems, like being arrested for driving while on drugs or for using or selling drugs.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
