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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, December 22, 2008

The Physical Harm of Addiction

Q: Dear Elena: My brother is addicted to some hard drugs. He knows it is hurting him, but he doesn't understand the long term repercussions because he can't see his body deteriorating. Can you shed some light on how this is hurting him?

A: First of all, "hard drugs" is a general term. Different illicit drugs have different effects on the body depending on their chemical composition. Some excite the nervous system where as others depress it. Drugs that are inhaled have an effect on the respiratory system as well as on the nervous system; those that are injected intravenously don't have the same effect on the lungs and the mucous membranes as inhalants. Those drugs that are injected like heroin, amphetamines cause a lot of physical harm because of the risk of overdose and spread of blood borne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and C.

I am surprised your brother doesn't see what the drug use is doing to him, usually the social behavior, the mood swings and the physical symptoms are quite obvious.

Drug use often causes noticeable changes in behavior and personality even when not under the influence of a given substance. With some drugs, the physical harm is compounded by the fact that the drug is addictive and the person keeps using it. Some require higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect, and/or cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped; heroin, benzodiazepines and nicotine are included in this category.

Lack of sleep and nervous agitation with mood swings are often common symptoms of an addict. Damage to the nervous system is often very hard to reverse. Often heart problems, palpitations and blood clots are frequent occurrence. Lung disease is very common among those inhaling drugs or smoking weed.

According to a study released by UK researchers about the measure of harm of a drug; heroin and cocaine are right at the top of the list.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist