Drug Abuse's Impact on Physical and Mental Health - Insights from Medical News Today
Substance use disorders (SUD) involve the continued use of psychoactive drugs, despite personal, professional, and health-related problems. These substances affect the brain and can lead to significant, potentially lasting physical and mental health complications.
In this article, we delve into the long-term effects of various psychoactive drugs, as detailed by the DSM-5 and complementary sources.
### Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, cocaine)
Long-term use of stimulants can result in cardiovascular problems such as chest pain, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure. Other effects include decreased appetite, causing severe weight loss, muscle deterioration, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disturbances. The mental health consequences include chronic depression, anxiety, inability to feel pleasure without the drug, and psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or paranoia.
### Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are associated with physical dependence, withdrawal syndromes, and in elderly individuals, increased risk of adverse effects including dementia. Mental long-term effects include cognitive impairment, memory loss, worsening anxiety and depression, irritability, paranoia, aggression, and paradoxical reactions like agitation or panic.
### Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin)
Chronic use of hallucinogens may lead to impairments in cognitive function and emotional stability, resulting in persistent mental health issues such as ongoing anxiety, depression, mood swings, memory problems, and cognitive impairments.
### Cannabis
Cannabis use disorder is linked to mood and anxiety disorders and may exacerbate or precipitate these conditions in vulnerable individuals. Cognitive impairments and increased risk for mental health problems may occur with prolonged use.
### Other Substances (e.g., opioids, methamphetamine, MDMA, inhalants)
Opioids can cause long-term respiratory depression risk and addiction with the potential for fatal overdose. Methamphetamine and cocaine can cause psychotic behavior and seizures in the long term. MDMA may cause lasting brain damage due to its effect on temperature regulation and dehydration risks. Inhalants may lead to irreversible brain damage or sudden death even after a single exposure.
In all cases, the DSM-5 categorizes these as substance use disorders with specific diagnostic criteria, emphasizing that extended or heavy use can lead to significant, potentially lasting physical and mental health complications requiring medical attention and treatment.
The table below summarises the typical long-term sequelae described in DSM-5 and related clinical literature:
| Drug Category | Long-Term Physical Effects | Long-Term Mental Effects | |-----------------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Stimulants | Cardiovascular disease, weight loss, GI problems | Depression, anxiety, psychosis, dopamine depletion | | Benzodiazepines | Dependence, withdrawal, dementia risk | Cognitive decline, anxiety, paranoia, aggression | | Hallucinogens | Generally less physical | Anxiety, depression, memory and cognitive impairments| | Cannabis | - | Mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive impairment | | Opioids, others | Respiratory failure, seizures, brain damage | Psychosis, addiction, cognitive/behavioral issues |
Treatment and prognosis depend on duration, dose, and individual factors. It is crucial to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with substance use. Effective treatment for SUD should address all mental and physical health needs, and may involve medications, behavioral counseling, group therapy, and additional support.
Remember, substance use can sometimes lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.
[1] Long-term stimulant effects - Serenity Light Recovery, 2025 [2] Benzodiazepine long-term effects - Wikipedia, 2025 [3] Hallucinogen use disorder impacts - Blue View Recovery, 2025 [4] Cannabis use disorder - Wikipedia, 2025 [5] Drug addiction complications - Augusta Health, 2025
- Diabetes can develop as a long-term physical complications for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those addicted to stimulants.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the spine and joints, has been linked to long-term cannabis use.
- Obesity is a common physical health-and-wellness issue associated with chronic substance abuse, particularly benzodiazepines and alcohol.
- Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, may be exacerbated by long-term substance abuse, specifically with opioid use.
- HIV, a viral infection spread through sexual contact and blood, can worsen when an individual's immune system is compromised due to substance use and addiction.
- Depression is a common mental health issue associated with various types of substance use disorders, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, and cannabis.
- MS, or multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system, is not currently known to have a direct link with substance use disorders, but mental health comorbidities, such as depression, can occur and complicate the condition.
- Spondylitis, an inflammation of the spine, can develop as a long-term physical complication for individuals addicted to stimulants or cannabis.
- Migraine is a type of chronic headache disorder that may be worsened by substance abuse, particularly nicotine addiction.
- Hepatitis B and C, liver infections caused by viruses, can develop as long-term physical complications for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those who inject drugs intravenously.
- Emotional instability is a common mental health issue associated with chronic substance abuse, particularly hallucinogens and inhalants.
- Smoking, a form of substance use, can lead to lung disease, heart disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers, both in the short and long term.
- Alzheimers disease, a degenerative brain disorder, is not currently known to have a direct link with substance use disorders, but mental health comorbidities, such as depression, can occur and potentially contribute to cognitive decline.
