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  This section explains how using drugs and alcohol can affect your mental health. It also explains how you can get help to stop using drugs and alcohol. In this section, ‘drugs’ means recreational drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs. There are many reasons why you might use drugs and alcohol. Some people use them to try and deal with their symptoms of their mental illness. This is called 'self-medication'. Drugs and alcohol can make the symptoms of your mental illness worse. Some drugs may make it more likely for you to get a mental illness, and they may make it harder to treat. Mental health, and drug and alcohol services should work together to give you the support you need. If you have any problems getting help, you could make a complaint. How can drugs and alcohol affect my mental health? People use drugs and drink alcohol for lots of different reasons. Whatever your reason, using drugs or alcohol may have a long-term negative effect on yo...

  Chronic use of some drugs can lead to both short- and long-term changes in the brain, which can lead to mental health issues including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and other problems. Many people who are addicted to drugs are also diagnosed with other mental disorders and vice versa. Compared with the general population, people addicted to drugs are roughly twice as likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, with the reverse also true. Drugs that can cause mental health problems- Cocaine Inhalants Ketamine Kratom LSD Marijuana MDMA Methamphetamine PCP Prescription Drugs Steroids (appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs)

Having a mental illness can make it more challenging to stay physically healthy. Some of the reasons for this are: the symptoms of a mental illness can make it harder to exercise, eat well or give up smoking certain medications can have side effects that cause physical health problems health professionals sometimes focus on a person's mental health, rather than their physical health genetic risk factors (certain genes can make it more likely that a person goes on to develop mental illness. These same genes may also play a part in physical health issues). There are some things you can do to give yourself the best chance of staying physically well. Helping yourself Know what to look out for People living with a serious mental illness (for example schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression) are more likely to have: weight problems high blood pressure heart problems problems with teeth ...

  Anyone providing drug addiction treatment should tailor it to suit a person’s individual needs to ensure that it is effective. Treatment may involve some of the following components: Behavioral therapy , which helps people build positive coping strategies and develop problem-solving skills. Group therapy , which gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance. Medications to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. Additional medical care , which may include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated with chronic drug abuse, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions. Drug abuse can affect many aspects of a person's physical and psychological health. Some medications can cause drowsiness and slow breathing, while others can cause insomnia, paranoia or hallucinations. Chron...

  Drug abuse, especially over an extended period, can have numerous long-term health effects. Chronic drug use can alter a person’s brain structure and function, resulting in long-term psychological effects, such as: depression anxiety panic disorders increased aggression paranoia hallucinations Long-term drug use can also affect a person’s memory, learning, and concentration. The long-term physical effects of drug use vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use. However, experts have linked chronic drug use with the following health conditions: Cardiovascular disease Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, can damage the heart and blood vessels. Prolonged use of these drugs can lead to coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and heart attacks. Breathing - System Problems Drugs that people smoke or inhale can damage the respiratory system and lead to chronic respiratory infections and diseases. A pers...

  The effects of drug abuse depend on the type of drug, any other substances that a person is using, and their health history. Drug misuse, abuse, and addiction can all lead to both short-term and long-term health effects. Short-term effects Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method. Using any drug, even in moderation or according to a medical prescription, can have short-term effects. For instance, consuming one or two servings of alcohol can lead to mild intoxication. A person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or sleepy. Nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products raises blood pressure and increases alertness. Using a prescription opioid as a doctor has instructed helps relieve moderate-to-severe pain, but opioids can also cause drowsiness, shallow breathing, and constipation. Abusing a drug, or misusing a prescription medication, can p...

  1. Eating Too Much Fast Food Why It’s Dangerous: A steady diet of double cheeseburgers and fries washed down with an oversize soft drink often leads to a bigger waistline and other related health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. Trans fat, often found in fast food, raises ‘bad’ cholesterol and blood fats that contribute to hardening of the arteries, as well as firing up inflammation, which contributes to the build-up of fatty plaque in artery walls. Why You Should Stop: The health benefits of switching to a healthy diet are immediate and substantial. Making a permanent lifestyle change isn’t easy. Fast food is super-convenient, surprisingly inexpensive, and thanks to all its fat, salt, and sugar, undeniably tasty. Healthy eating takes more time and thought, but it’s worth it. In addition to losing extra weight, slimming your waistline and protecting yourself from heart disease and diabetes, you’ll save money if you prepare your own meals instead of eatin...