We’ve all heard about the dangers and side effects of drugs and drug addiction. In fact, we are taught from a small age why drugs are bad for us. Behind all of that information is a world of facts that rarely get discussed. They are the side effects and drug information that can make your skin crawl. Check out these 10 disgusting facts about drugs that you should know.
The Nose Can Be Damaged By Cocaine Usage
Using cocaine can cause long-term damage to the nose in the form of a septal perforation. This is commonly referred to as a hole in the septum and is the result of snorting cocaine into the nose. Once a septal perforation is present in the user’s nose, it will never heal on its own.
The nose contains a delicate blood supply that gets hindered by cocaine use. The blood vessels inside the nose close off and less oxygen is delivered to the septum. Because oxygen becomes limited, the septum tissue begins to die. Once it dies, the cartilage underneath will also die creating a hole in the septum. If this continues to be let go, the entire nose can collapse due to the inadequate structural support in the nose.
Early symptoms include nosebleeds, congestion, sinus infections, discharge or common allergy symptoms. Many people miss the opportunity to have this condition treated early. Instead, they will end up having to see a surgeon who specializes in septal perforations.
Meth Mouth
Users of meth will inevitably end up with symptoms of “Meth Mouth”. Tooth enamel becomes dissolved by the chemicals in meth which increases the risk of tooth decay. In addition, blood vessels in the gums and teeth will shrink. Finally, the production of saliva ceases which allows the harmful acids to erode the teeth further.
On top of that problem caused by the drug alone, meth users will typically engage in other behaviors that add to the damage. Some of these include the craving of sugary foods, neglected oral hygiene, and tooth-grinding.
Heroin Withdrawal Is Painful
Anytime a heroin addict is without their drugs, they can experience some massive physical withdrawal symptoms. Some of these occur as early as a few hours after the last use. Symptoms can include insomnia, diarrhea, cold flashes, violent vomiting, restlessness and more.
While major symptoms will generally peak between 48 and 72-hours, they can last up to a week at a time. Some people find they suffer for a few months after ceasing usage. Even when a heroin user wants to stop, they find it nearly impossible due to the amount of discomfort they feel without the drugs.
Products In Meth Are Disgusting
While the major ingredient found in meth is Pseudoephedrine, there are many other items used that are quite disgusting. You can find battery acid, lantern fuel, antifreeze and even drain cleaner in meth. These ingredients are used to boost the effects of the pseudoephedrine. Many of the health damage that users experience are a result of these additives. Do these sound like things that should be inside the body?
Likely To Have Heart Attack In One Hour With Cocaine
During a user’s first hour of inhaled cocaine, they have a 24 time higher risk of suffering a heart attack. Even when a heart attack doesn’t occur, cocaine causes immense damage to the heart tissue. Many users suffer from a thickening of the heart that can later lead to heart failure or attack. In addition, less blood is able to flow through the damaged parts of the heart. This decreases the blood supply to the heart which can also trigger a heart attack. In addition, the brain can trigger seizures or an abnormal heart rhythm called arrhythmia.
The Face Of Meth
Users of meth will often experience distinct changes to their facial structure and skin quality. Meth is known to suppress the appetite. When this occurs, users will undergo long periods of time where they are not receiving the nourishment they need. The body will begin to consume muscle tissue and facial fat. This leads to a hollowed-out facial appearance.
Meth users also battle acne on a regular basis. As a result, they will tend to obsessively pick at the acne. This leads to small sores and long-term scarring. Oftentimes, meth users feel as if bugs are crawling under the skin.
Sharing Needles Creates Opportunity For Many Diseases
Many drug users will find themselves sharing needles as they have less concern for themselves. This can lead to dangerous health consequences including:
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Tetanus
- Cellulitis
- Thrombophlebitis
- Necrotising Fasciitis
Meth Labs Explode
Manufacturing methamphetamine can result in a chemical reaction that creates an explosion. This leads to major house fires and can leave people with chemical burns. Most people that manufacture meth have no training and are generally high or suffering from withdrawal while cooking up a batch.
What many people don’t know is if the home they are living in now was used to be a meth lab previously. Carpets and walls can become deeply contaminated by chemicals and toxic vapors. Without a thorough cleaning, the home is still in danger of exploding.
Beware Of The “Zombie” Drug
Gaining more popularity, Scopolamine is becoming the world’s scariest drug. It is tasteless, odorless and can be used on people without them ever knowing it. In just 2012, there are almost 1,200 cases of Scopolamine being used on people without their knowledge.
Once thought to have been created by the government as a weapon, well-known politicians, foreign embassy staff, and regular citizens have fallen victim around the world.
Scopolamine blocks memory encoding meaning there will be no memory created of the event. Victims cannot identify their perpetrators and it is a common drug now used in rapes or robberies.
Heroin Can Lead To Limb Loss
While the side effects of heroin use are numerous, very few people talk about the possibility of gangrene and amputation. Contaminants found in heroin are capable of creating severe damage to the body’s circulation. This leads to a lack of blood being delivered to the extremities. When left untreated, limbs can end up with gangrene which eventually requires amputation.
Contact Clearbrook Today
The list of dangerous facts could continue on forever, but I think you get the point. Using drugs leads to the normal life-threatening side effects we’ve all been taught. In addition to that, there are lots of undiscussed consequences and effects of drugs and drug addiction. The easiest way to avoid dealing with these and the numerous other issues you can face is to avoid drug use completely.
If you or someone you know is currently addicted to drugs and alcohol, help is available. For 45 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been providing effective drug and alcohol treatment to the chemically dependent person, while offering education and support to the affected family members. If you are ready to take the first step in changing your life, please contact our Admissions Specialists today.
