Narcotics addiction affects people differently. The effects of addiction go beyond physical dependence. As drug use draws people deeper into their addiction, they lose their ability to function normally. The effects are often observed on social, physical, biological, psychological, financial, spiritual and vocational levels.
Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, and narcotics addiction side effects nearly always magnify as drug use continues. While individual side effects vary, there are some common short-term and long-term side effects that people struggling with addiction experience.
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of narcotic abuse are magnified when people take high doses. These effects can include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion
- Slowed thinking and reflexes
- Impaired judgment or high-risk behaviors
- Development of addiction
- Respiratory suppression
- Lowered consciousness
- Coma
- Overdose
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of addiction are a result of the progressive detachment from normal life functions as the drug use escalates and the means to financially support drug use declines:
- Additional substance use
- The development or worsening of a mental health disorder
- Job loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Job loss
- Financial problems
- Loss of custody of children (if Child Welfare services become aware of the drug use)
- Legal problems
- Deterioration of physical and mental health