Drugs are not only illegal and harm your body and brain, but they can land you in jail or prison. If you're currently addicted to drugs or know someone who may be, then get help immediately. If you can't quit on your own, then seek out professional intervention and get medical help.
Different Ways Drugs Affect The Brain:
Each drug has a different affect on the brain. For example, marijuana affects the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus making it hard to remember what you recently said or did and making it more difficult to accomplish complex tasks.
Methamphetamine users may suffer brain damage, including memory loss and an increasing inability to grasp abstract thoughts. Those who recover are usually subject to memory gaps and extreme mood swings.
Cocaine constricts blood vessels in the brain. Cocaine causes seizures and can lead to bizarre or violent behavior. A study at Harvard determined that even small amounts of Cocaine narrowed the blood vessels. This could result in memory loss, learning problems, attention deficits, and even strokes. Strokes can happen even in young people without other risk factors for strokes.
Prescription painkillers and Heroin affect the pain receptors in the brain altering the users experience of pain. These drugs also influence the brains ability to regulate automatic bodily functions such as breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. High doses can slow respiration and heart rates resulting in coma or death.
Staying Healthy
If you or someone you know is using or experimenting with drugs then get help TODAY. Drugs are so dangerous because they are highly addictive and somewhat unpredictable, even in small doses. Sometimes damage caused by these drugs is permanent.
Seek professional or medical help when going off drugs. Withdrawal is difficult and can be extremely dangerous to do on your own. Find a counselor, rehab program, online drug class, or attend a 12 step support group to help you.
