Answer:
What are the effects of drug abuse?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sirisha Yellayi, DO — Written by Jamie Eske on June 17, 2020
Short-term effects
Long-term effects
Misuse, abuse, and addiction
Getting help
Treatment
Summary
Drug misuse, abuse, and addiction can all lead to both short-term and long-term health effects.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DMS-4) definesTrusted Source drug abuse as “a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.”
The effects of drug abuse depend on the type of drug, any other substances that a person is using, and their health history.
In this article, we discuss the impact of drug abuse and explain how to treat drug addiction.
Short-term effects
Group therapy may help a person who is in recovery for drug abuse.
Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method.
Using any drug, even in moderation or according to a medical prescription, can have short-term effects.
For instance, consuming one or two servings of alcohol can lead to mild intoxication. A person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or sleepy.
