Addiction and Cancer
Persistent and Long-term Alcohol and Drug abuse has been known to lead to various health issues. Some of the most common and well documented health issues caused by alcohol, tobacco and drugs are listed below:
- Long-term alcohol and drug use can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, mood swings and other impulsive behaviours.
- Alcohol and drug adversely affect the cardiovascular health of an individual and can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heart beats, stoke or even heart attacks in some cases.
- Alcohol is first processed in the liver. Hence, long-term alcohol use is linked to liver diseases such as the Cirrhosis of the Liver, Fibrosis, Fatty Liver which are all caused by persistent, long-term alcohol use.
- Tobacco and Ganja contains several dangerous chemicals that can be toxic to our lungs upon prolonged use. Difficulties in breathing and persistent coughs are common health issues in long term smokers of Tobacco and Ganja.
- Consumption of Alcohol and Drugs can impact learning and memory retention. Alcohol and Drugs can negatively effects an individual’s impulse control function that can have a cascading effect on their consumption of alcohol and drugs further pushing them into an addiction. Prolonged use is also shown to effect the part of the brain that’s responsible for memory retention (i.e. the hippocampus)
- Alcohol and drug use have been known to lead to a weakened immune system it is also linked to the development of Cancer in the Liver, Throat, Oesophagus, Colon, Rectum, Breast and Testicular Germ Cell Tumours or TGCTs.
Tobacco
Tobacco is the leading causes of cancer globally and it is linked to over one-fifth of lung cancer deaths. It is shown that there is no safe level of tobacco consumption and any amount of use can lead to cancer. Cigarettes, Cigars, Chewing Tobacco and e-cigarettes and vape pens are all potential cancer causing agents. Furthermore, second-hand tobacco smoke can also lead to cancer as tobacco smoke is known to contain a wide variety of toxic and cancer causing substances.
Ganja
Ganja contains several dangerous chemicals that can be toxic to our lungs upon prolonged use. Studies conducted by BMC Cancer has found significant proof that long term use of Ganja or Marijuana can lead to the development of Testicular Germ Cell Tumours or TGCTs.
Hash Oil
Hash Oil can also be dangerous due to high levels of chemicals including high concentrates of Vitamin E acetate, butane, fungicides and pesticides. A dangerous mixture of these chemicals lead to lung damage, pneumonia, cancer, among other diseases.
Alcohol
Almost any type of alcohol can lead to cancer including red wine. Alcohol use is linked to the development of various Cancers in the body including but not limited to Cancers of the Liver, Colon, Throat, Oesophagus, Breast and Rectum.
Illicit Drugs
Drugs such as Heroin and Cocaine are adulterated with other dangerous chemicals to increase their quantity. Most commonly used adulterants include substances that can increase the risk of cancer.
How can I get help?
If you or your loved one is suffering from an addiction caused by one or more substances, it is best to get professional help. A licensed treatment centre for addiction rehab such as Phoenix can provide the right support and tools to help recover from an addiction and stay sober in the long-term.
