Reversible and Irreversible Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drugs are mood-altering chemicals that lead to addiction. Drug addictions result in undesirable health consequences that are sometimes reversible and sometimes not. Different drugs have different effects. Some ill effects continue to bother the addicts even after they discontinue the use. Let us now discuss the reversible and irreversible health disorders that long term drug usage may cause:

REVERSIBLE DISORDERS

Cardiomyopathy and Cocaine intoxication
Cocaine intoxication has been associated with serious medical disorders. Patients who smoke ‘crack’ form of Cocaine are at a high risk of acutely dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a heart related disease that could prove fatal if treatment is not received on time. However, in most cases, it could be successfully reversed with timely medical intervention and diagnosis.

Cognitive impairment
Cognitive impairment is a drug-induced condition that is partially reversible. Evidence from a Longitudinal Study Matthias Vonmoos studied the relation between the changing intensity of Cocaine use and development of cognitive function within a span of a year. According to the data were collected as part of the longitudinal Zurich Cocaine Cognition Study (ZuCo2St). Substantially increased cocaine use within 1 year (mean +297%) has been observed to be associated with reduced cognitive performance primarily in working memory. By contrast, decreased cocaine use (−72%) was linked to small cognitive improvements. Importantly, users who ceased taking cocaine seemed to recover completely, attaining a cognitive performance level similar to that of the control group. Therefore, cognitive impairment is a reversible condition that can be cured with abstinence from drugs.

Reproductive function in females
The chemically diverse illegal drugs have been observed to share an important pharmacologic property. i.e high potency neuro activity. When ingested, they can disrupt hypothalamic-pituitary function in females. Under the influence of these drugs, normal adults experience minor changes in sexual and reproductive functions while individuals with compromising reproductive abilities are likely to have a major impact. Also, It is possible that teens may be at substantial risk for reproductive damage from these neuro active drugs since the endocrine events associated with puberty are dependent on the normal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Nonetheless, the disruptive effects of these drugs are likely to be transient and completely reversible.

Sexual dysfunction in males
The chemicals in drugs effect both body and brain. The reproductive system is particularly considered to be vulnerable to the effects of drugs. Hypothalamic neurotransmitters that are sensitive to drugs alter their synthesis, change the levels or patterns of secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins in males. Some drugs decrease testosterone levels and produce a multitude of effects on male reproduction. Prolonged usage of drugs results in changes in luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin and also causes changes in libido, impotence, inability to ejaculate, testicular swelling, and gynecomastia. Narcotics decrease gonadotropin secretion and stimulate prolactin secretion, both of which are inhibitory to male sexual function. These conditions are reversible and are directly proportional to the frequency of abuse of drugs.

Methamphetamine and dopamine decline
According to a study, high doses of methamphetamine promote free radical formation. One hour after a single high dose of methamphetamine administration, dopamine uptake decreased by 48%. This dramatic decline could be totally reversed 24 hours after treatment. These findings suggest that methamphetamine reversibly decreases dopamine transporter activity by oxidative mechanisms.

Effect of alcohol on gastrointestinal system
Gastrointestinal system is severely affected by chronic alcoholism. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation which are common side effects of many substances may also occur in association with acute withdrawal from many drugs. Opioid use on the contrary is associated with severe constipation. NIDA had listed opioid use as a cause of acid reflux and cocaine a cause of mesenteric ischemia, abdominal pain, and bowel tissue decay in addicts.

Psychosis
Among the mental effects caused by prolonged substance abuse, psychosis is the most common side effect observed among the users. Hallucinations, anxiety, and depression are a common place. Psychosis is a temporary condition among the addicts and could be well addressed by certified psychological practitioners.

IRREVERSIBLE DISORDERS
Irreversible medical conditions in alcoholics and drug users are indicative of health consequences that are long-lasting and permanent. They can even continue after a person has stopped taking the substance. drugs have the potency enough to change how the brain works and interfere with a person’s decision -making abilities, leading to intense cravings and compulsive drug use. People suffering from drug and alcohol addiction loose control over cognitive functions and have a higher risk of unintentional injuries, accidents and incidents related to domestic violence. A few of the undesired effects of persistent alcohol/substance abuse include liver disease, heart diseases, oesophageal cancer and cancers relating to stomach and other parts of the body. These are unfortunately irreversible and, in most cases, prove fatal.