Liver Damage The liver has to work extra hard to process drugs and alcohol, and using too much can cause significant damage to this vital organ. Liver disease can cause abdominal pain, violent vomiting, and, in some cases, brain damage. The liver is the only internal organ in the human body that regenerates itself. However, this won’t happen if the individual keeps on damaging it.
Damage to your heart Using stimulants, even just once, can cause a heart attack. This is also true for anyone with pre-existing heart conditions. Cocaine is known to increase the chances of a heart attack by 700% in the hour following use. Heroin and cannabis decrease the respiratory rate and so can cause damage to the lungs as well as the heart.
Changes in appetite and increased risk of eating disorders: Many drugs can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe weight loss. This can lead to a weak immune system and more significant damage to the body. There are also drugs, such as cannabis and heroin, which can cause increased appetite. This can lead to weight gain and a greater risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
When people think of the devastating effects of substance abuse, they often think of the psychological damage. Even though drugs and alcohol can cause irreversible brain damage, the long-term effects of abuse on the body are usually more severe. Every drug, no matter how mild or intense, poses a danger to the user’s health. Below is a list of the more common ways in which different drugs and alcohol can cause serious harm to your body.