You probably know that substance abuse causes long term health problems and diseases. There are many consequences of substance abuse. What you may not realize is the effect that drugs have on your appearance. Many of the damages are not immediately noticeable, but over time, drugs change your physical looks.
Skin Changes
Steroids can cause acne breakouts, not just on your face either; it affects your entire body. Meth is another drug that causes acne. With ecstasy, you may have a skin rash that looks like acne. Long-term drug abuse can cause your skin to look dull. Don’t forget the scars left behind from needle marks or picking at your skin that will be unsightly as you get older.
Nose
Snorting drugs not only leads to loss of smell, but also nosebleeds and hoarseness. Over time, heroin or cocaine can destroy the cartilage in your nose. You may also notice more nasal secretions when you inhale or snort addictive substances. No one wants to be around someone with a chronic runny nose.
Mouth
Many drugs cause dry mouth, which leads to teeth and gum problems. You could get what is known as
“meth mouth” which includes rotten teeth, gum disease and bad breath. Addicts often don’t take care of their dental hygiene, which leads to the same issues. Smoking marijuana, much like cigarettes, causes wrinkles around your mouth. Over time, using inhalants causes mouth sores.
Overall Appearance
Drug addiction often leads to a loss of appetite, causing many to experience weight loss. Most addicts don’t make good nutrition choices, which leads to dull hair and skin. Changes in your sleep habits also affect your appearance, making you appear older than you actually are, as drug use ages you prematurely. Marijuana causes your appetite to increase, so you may gain weight that you don’t want. Steroid abuse can cause your hair to fall out, and some men have developed breasts from using steroids. Street drugs aren’t the only drugs that have consequences when you abuse them.
Medical Issues
Ingesting cocaine leads to bowel gangrene, and you may end up needing a colostomy to use the bathroom. While this may be hidden under your clothes, how will you feel when you want to be intimate with someone? Long-term heroin use causes liver and kidney diseases that take a toll on your body, which also leads to looking older. It’s difficult to have good self-esteem when you’re dealing with the long-term effects of drug use.
Consider the Consequences
According to the Bay Area Recovery Center (www.bayarearecovery.com), the first time you try one of these substances you may not notice any effect to your looks. Some of these problems take a long time to develop. Even prescription drug abuse can lead to premature aging, dry mouth and poor appearance, because you stop taking care of yourself. The longer you use drugs, the worse the effects will be.
Using and abusing drugs just isn’t worth the risk. It takes a toll on your health, your relationships, and your body. If you’re addicted to any of these substances or any drug not listed, attending drug rehab is a good step on the road to recovery. Protect your health and your looks by getting the help you need to be free from addiction.