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Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse

Other Health Effects

In jail, Paul suffered through opiate withdrawal; he vomited, couldn't eat, and lost weight. He was taken to a treatment center on a stretcher. After three weeks of detoxification, Paul returned to face the medical board, which ordered him to turn in his medical license.

Source: Moyers on Addiction: Close to Home

In addition to the effects various drugs of abuse may have on specific organs of the body, many drugs produce global body changes such as dramatic changes in appetite and increases in body temperature, which may impact a variety of health conditions. Withdrawal from drug use also may lead to numerous adverse health effects, including restlessness, mood swings, fatigue, changes in appetite, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, cold flashes, diarrhea, and vomiting.