The Long-Term Effects of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse continues to be a serious issue in our country. From increases in opioid use and other drugs, we are in an epidemic that is closer to home than we think. Drug overdose deaths have increased in each state over the last couple of years, and certain counties in those states have seen a larger increase as well for drug use and drug overdose. In North Carolina, between 2014-2015, the CDC found a significant statistical increase in the amount of drug overdose deaths. There was an increase of 14.5%, which placed it as one of the largest spikes for drug overdose in just one year. With these increases occurring, the effects that these drugs have are becoming more prevalent.

In a recent study conducted through BetterAddictionCare.com, images were taken from the Wake City-County Bureau of Identification public arrest records to show the harsh effects that different drugs have over time on the user.

In just a few years, drugs take a major toll on the physical appearance of an individual. The skin becomes paler and more dry, users sometimes scratch at their face creating scars, and the face becomes more gaunt overall.

Users start to look malnourished and tired or weak. And these are just the physical effects that drugs have on users. The mental effects are much worse, causing paranoia, increased blood pressure, decreased immune systems, and the list goes on.

While this epidemic is hitting on a national level, the resources that are available to help those in need are at a breaking point. If users are able to get to a rehabilitation center to get the help they need, their chances of relapsing are still at 40-60% according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. With relapse rates staying at such a high rate, it’s hard to decrease the number of drug overdose deaths we see each year. But, becoming aware of this issue that is at large can help increase the chances of more people getting help.