Consequences of Use

What are the consequences of Substance Abuse?

Young people who use drugs and/or alcohol over a period of time are subjecting themselves to a wide array of consequences. These consequences often depend on the individual using, the type of drug used and frequency of use and can occur as the result of one-time use or repeated use. Mental and physical health can decline; problems with peer and family relationships may occur; academics are often affected; the likelihood of risky or illegal behavior increases; using later in life is more likely and there is a much higher risk of accidents and death for those who are under the influence. 

Here are some examples of consequences one may incur from drug use and abuse:

• Mental health problems - Teens who use drugs are at greater risk for developing a number of mental health problems including anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and attention deficit disorder.

• Physical health problems - Drug use can have harmful effects on many body organs including: the heart, blood vessels, lungs, damage to the hormone system, fertility, the liver and the brain.  Many drugs cause brain changes that can lead to problems with memory, attention and decision-making.

• Family and peer problems - Teen substance abuse can have a negative impact on relationship skills, self-esteem, physical and emotional independence. As a result, teen drug or alcohol problems may lead to difficulty building and sustaining personal relationships – including those with family and peers.  Within the family, the user often sets bad examples for his/her siblings and creates a much more hostile environment at home.

• Academics - Drug abusers frequently experience many problems at school including poor grades, truancy, withdrawal from healthy extracurricular activities and increased drop-out rates.

• Increased likelihood of drug use later in life - Those who begin drug use early in life are at an increased risk for continued addiction and drug habits into and through adulthood.

• Involvement in other illegal activities-  Drug use has been linked to more deviant behavior in youth, resulting in increased criminal activity for drug users compared to non-drug using peers.

• Increased likelihood of accidents and death-  Substance abuse often leads to a higher level of risk-taking.  Engaging in these risky behaviors can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, resulting from unprotected sexual activity and can lead to injury related to car accidents, suicide and, violence.