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What do Cocaine, Alcohol, Marijuana, Opioids and Ecstasy do to Your Brain and Body?

Millions of people worldwide use drugs every day – whether it’s a glass of wine on the sofa at home, or a line of cocaine at the club.  But have you ever wondered what, exactly, these substances are doing to your body and brain?

Drugs cause extreme, unnatural surges in brain chemicals, eventually altering your brain’s natural chemistry and creating psychological dependency, leading to addiction. They also have physical health impacts, even with short-term use.  Here are just a few of their effects:

1. Cocaine

  • Increased heart rate, blood pressure and risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Anxiety, irritability and depression
  • Prolonged use can lead to nasal perforations

2. Alcohol

  • Damage to organs like kidney, liver and skin
  • Damage to links between neurons in your brain, slowing thinking
  • Increased change of accidents and fatalities due to decreased inhibition

3. Marijuana

  • Loss of short-term memory
  • Inability to moderate appetite, leading to weight fluctuations
  • Anxiety, panic and paranoia

4. Opioids

  • Slowed breathing (most heroin/ opioid overdoses are the result of respiratory depression)
  • Constipation and gastrointestinal issues
  • Severe withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit

5. Ecstasy (Molly, MDMA)

  • Intense feelings of depression, irritability and fatigue during ‘comedown’
  • Hyperthermia (overheating) and dehydration
  • Adverse effects from synthetic drugs and unknown substances used to cut ecstasy

Read the full list here: The Effects of 5 Popular Drugs on Your Body and Brain

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