Q: What are the signs and effects of substance abuse?
Effects
The effects of most drugs change with regular usage. Over time, users' bodies adjust to and become dependent upon the drug. When that happens, more and more of the drug is needed to get the same pleasant effect. Eventually, users' bodies can no longer get that pleasant effect, and users must continue using just to feel normal. When not high, the bodies of chemically-dependent users are in pain.
If regular drug use is stopped abruptly, users' bodies may go into withdrawal, which is not only physically very unpleasant, but potentially life-threatening. The degree of danger varies with the type of discontinued drug, the length of time abusing it, and the strength of the customary dose. For example, abrupt withdrawal from alcohol and stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine can cause death.
Overdosing is another dangerous effect. Again, the degree of danger varies with the type of drug. Alcohol, cocaine, and heroin overdosing, for instance, can be fatal, while an overdose of hallucinogens can cause permanent brain damage.
Following is a list of effects following the regular use of various drugs by category.
