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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffDependence on drugs can create a number of life-changing complications. They can include:
- Health problems. Drug addiction can lead to a range of both short- and long-term mental and physical health problems. These depend on what drug is taken.
- Unconsciousness, coma and sudden death. Taking some drugs can be particularly risky, especially if you take high doses or combine them with other drugs or alcohol.
- Getting a communicable disease. People who are addicted to a drug are more likely to get an infectious disease such as HIV, either through unsafe sex or by sharing needles.
- Accidents. If you're addicted to a drug, you're more likely to drive or engage in other dangerous activities while intoxicated.
- Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs commit suicide more often than do people who aren't.
- Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause marital or family strife and custody issues.
- Work issues. Work performance may decline, and you may be absent from work more often.
- Problems at school. Academic performance and motivation to excel in school may suffer.
- Legal issues. These can stem from stealing to support your drug addiction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and disputes over child custody.
- Financial problems. Spending money to support your habit takes away money from your other needs, could put you into debt, and could lead you into illegal or unethical behaviors.
References
- Moore DP, et al. Introduction to substance use disorders. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158039348-4/0/1243/36.html?tocnode=52436121&fromURL=36.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02911-6..X5001-5--section3_347. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Wilson E, et al. Substance use disorders. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158928328-6/885698260/1481/680.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50067-1--cesec15_4334. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Commonly abused drugs. National Institutes of Health. http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/DrugsofAbuse.html. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Samet JA. Drug abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa. Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158928328-6/0/1492/148.html?tocnode=54613109&fromURL=148.html. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Weaver MF, et al. Overview of the recognition and management of the drug abuser. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Substance dependence. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Sept. 11, 2009.
