Each classification of drugs has different short term and long-term effects. Short-term effects
last for a couple of days, hours or even shorter periods while long-term effects can be felt for
weeks, months and even for a life time. The following is an overview of the short-term and
long-term effects of substance use and abuse.
A. GATEWAY DRUGS
Gateway drugs are accepted and legal with restrictions. In the Philippines, people below 18 years of age are not allowed to buy and use gateway drugs. The use of gateway drugs puts a person at risk of using more dangerous and illicit drugs. Tobacco of any form and alcohol are gateway drugs.
Short-Term Effects
A. Alcohol
-Headache and light headedness
-Slurred speech
-Slow body reflex, senses and coordination
-Overconfident
-Mood swings (depression, high spirit, aggressiveness)
-Experience of blackout (loss of consciousness)
-Nausea (headache with vomiting)
Long-Term Effects
-Damage of organs like liver, heart, colon and brain
-Cancer
-Cardiovascular diseases
-Cirrhosis of the liver
-Poor study and work performance
-Paralysis and/ or loss of limb due to road accidents and other tragic events
-Alcohol poisoning which leads to coma and eventual death
B. TobaccoStress
Short-terms Effects
-Rapid heart rate and pulse rate
-Persistent cough
-Difficulty in breathing
-Halitosis or bad breath
-Sinusitis and otitis media
-Increased phlegm production
-Stomach problems
-Weak physical performance
Long-term Effects
-Development of asthma
Atherosclerosis
-Thrombosis
-Cardiovascular diseases
-Chronic Obstructive
-Pulmonary Disease
-Cancer of the mouth, throat, skin, lungs, and other body parts
-Hypertension or increased blood pressure
-Heart attack and stroke which leads to coma and death
B. DEPRESSANTS
Depressants, also known as “downers”, suppress or slow down the central nervous system. In the medical field, depressants are also called sedatives which are used to treat anxiety, mental disorders and sleep disorders like insomnia. Types of
depressants are tranquilizers, barbiturates, and hypnotics. Tranquilizers are mild depressants which are used to treat anxiety. Barbiturates are stronger than tranquilizers and are used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders and control seizures. Hypnotics are the most powerful depressants. Alcohol is also a depressant. The table below shows the effects of depressants on the body.
Short-Term Effects
- Slow brain function which leads to temporary memory loss
- Slow pulse rate and heart rate
- Below normal breathing pattern
- Low blood pressure
- Inability to concentrate and poor judgment
- Confusion and irritability
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Loss of body balance and sluggishness
- Depression
Long-Term Effects
- Agitation and aggressive behaviors
- Depression leading to mental disorders
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Paralysis of the muscles and nerves
- Brain stroke
- Chronic liver disease
- Renal or kidney failure
- Cancer of the colon and other form of cancer
- Diabetes
- Coma and death
C. STIMULANTS
Stimulants are also known as “uppers” or “speeders”. They stimulate or activate the central nervous system. A person can stay awake for longer periods under the influence of stimulant drugs. Some stimulants are legal while some are illicit and
dangerous. Caffeine is a stimulant which is found in soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, tea and chocolate. Illicit stimulants include cocaine and methamphetamine or shabu. The table on the next page shows the effects of stimulants on the body.
Short-Term Effects of Stimulants Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
- Increased heart rate and pulse rate
- Increased respiration (breathing) rate
- Increased digestive processes
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Decreased appetite
- Alert body responses
- Inability to sleep
- Euphoria
- Depression (the “down” that follows the “up” sensation)
Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
- Paranoia
- Heart attack
- Brain stroke
- Brain damage
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Coma which leads to death
D. NARCOTICS
Narcotics are known as “painkillers”. They also induce sleepiness. Narcotics are administered to patients with mental problems. They are also given to cancer patients to relieve severe pain. Narcotic drugs include cocaine, heroin and marijuana.
Short-Term Effects of Narcotics Long-Term Effects of Narcotics
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps and pain
- Chills and shaking
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Difficulty in breathing
- Inflammation of the veins
- Panic attacks
Long-Term Effects of Narcotics
- Development of disease like hepatitis, tetanus and HIV-AIDS due to needle sharing
- Overdose leading to coma and death
E. HALLUCINOGENS
Hallucinogens create hallucinations. Hallucinations distort what is real. Everything the person sees, hears and feels are the opposite of reality. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin and mescaline are some of the common hallucinogens.
Explanation:
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