Understanding the effects of drug abuse is one of the keys to coming to terms that you have a problem, or helping a loved one with their condition.

What are the Most Common Drug Abuse Effects?

Drug abuse effects vary wildly according to which drug is in question.   However, it is easy to identify several different effects that seem to rear their head no matter what drug you are discussing.   These common drug abuse effects include:

• Depression. Individuals are likely to experience depression in between doses of the drug in question.
• Anxiety. Abuse of many drugs causes significant anxious behavior.
• Strong drug cravings.   Individuals who are engaged in drug abuse often experience very strong cravings in between doses.
• Tolerance. As the individual moves from substance abuse to addiction they are likely to develop a tolerance to the drug.   This is a dangerous occurrence, as it will now take more and more of the drug to achieve the desired euphoric or stimulating effect.   When an individual develops a tolerance to a drug, the risk of overdose is always present.
• Sleeplessness. Many individuals who are in the midst of a drug abuse problem are unable to sleep through the night as a result.
• Chills and fever. Extremities such as chills and fever are two common effects of drug abuse – experienced mostly in between doses of the drug.
• Euphoric behavior.   When the individual is under the influence of opiates or stimulants, they will feel as if there is nothing they can’t accomplish.   This is usually followed by a “crash” wherein the individual experiences depression and negative thoughts.
• Self-destructive behavior.   Drug abuse brings about poor judgment.   Everything from unprotected sex to driving while under the influence can in some way be attributed to the effects of drug abuse.

Addiction treatment professionals generally look for one or more of these effects to be present over a significant period of time before determining whether or not the individual is suffering from a drug abuse or drug addiction problem.   Once this determination has been made, it is recommended that the individual seek professional help immediately.

What do to about Drug Abuse Effects

If you, or someone close to you, is experiencing any of these drug abuse effects, then it is crucial that you seek professional help.   Drug rehab programs understand exactly what you’re going through, and can develop an individualized recovery plan to meet your needs.   Through detox, counseling and aftercare, these programs are adept at helping the individual get clean (so they no longer have to experience the effects of drug abuse) and learn how to stay that way in the weeks, months and years after the treatment program is complete.