Long Term Effects vs Short Term Effects of Teen Drug Abuse

About Teen Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse is a problem that has the potential of destroying a person’s life completely and when a teenage gets stuck in the dark web of drug abuse, a life that is only just beginning is already on the path of darkness. Drug abuse in teenagers is increasing at an alarming rate and surveys show that most of the teenage emergency room visits are often attributed to the use of one or other type of drug.

Long term effects of drugs

When a person takes drugs they completely forget or ignore the truth that these drugs, if used over time, have the potential of affecting their body as well as their brain. The long term use of drugs can have the following effects on the body:

• Severe damage to liver, kidney and lungs that can even lead to failure of these organs
• Damage that can be permanent in nature to blood vessels of brain and heart
• Extremely high blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and even death
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Problem of depression and psychosis
• Long term abuse often leads to complete physical and psychological drug dependence and addiction

Short term effects of drugs

The short term effects of drugs include:

• Loss of appetite that can lead to extreme weigh loss
• Abnormal pupil dilation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure
• Bizarre, erratic as well as violent behavior
• Hallucinations
• Overdose can result in seizures or convulsions

Treatment for Teen Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse is like a serious life threatening illness and needs proper treatment and rehab in order for the patient to get back on the road to recovery. Specialized teen drug abuse treatment programs offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs and these programs include:

• Educational groups
• Individual as well as group counseling
• Family counseling
• 12-step education
• Team building and recreational activities

• Recovery planning for relapse prevention