In perhaps their most noble uses, drugs treat illnesses and injury and relieve pain. There are many drugs that are also used recreationally for purposes such as relieving stress and anxiety, experiencing euphoria, and just having a good time. Alcohol has been used this way for millennia as has marijuana and the leaves of the coca plant. Some drugs are legal and considered acceptable for recreational use. Alcohol is the most common and marijuana is legal in many states and is slowly gaining acceptance. Used in moderation, some drugs can be enjoyed without serious damage to your health. However, they do have side effects that vary from person to person. These must be taken into consideration.
Paranoia
Many drugs that make you paranoid, are described here. Although people have their individual reactions to drugs, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and LSD all commonly cause paranoia. It can cause several different symptoms, none of which are pleasant, and some that can be dangerous.
- Suspicion of others and hypersensitivity
- Behaving jealously and trying to control others
- Constantly feeling tense and unable to relax
- Irrational fears and believing one is in danger
- Believe media sources are sending secret messages
Any of these symptoms indicate a paranoid reaction to a drug. Professional help should be sought immediately. Often this will require intervention by loved ones.
Reduced Inhibitions
Another common side effect of recreational drug use that can have serious consequences is reduced inhibitions. Many people use various drugs for the purpose of relaxing and letting go. While this can lead to feelings of relief and joy, inhibitions serve an important purpose. They keep you from doing things that can harm yourself or others. Drugs can lessen sexual inhibitions leading to behavior such as public nudity or casual sexual encounters with strangers. The results can be incarceration, an unwanted pregnancy, STDs, or being sexually assaulted.
Reduced inhibitions can also turn off your filter and cause you to insult people you care about or that are important in your life, such as your boss. Lowered inhibitions sometimes lead to violence and destruction of property which can cause injury and serious legal trouble.
Addiction
Perhaps the worst side effect of using drugs is when that use becomes an unbreakable habit. Any drug can become psychologically addictive. You just can’t seem to get through a day or deal with normal stress or problems without being high. There are also drugs such as alcohol and opiates that can create a physical addiction. Your body cannot function without and you become ill in their absence. These habits can drive you to great lengths, even to commit crimes to get a fix. These drug habits also break your body down and shorten your life. Overdoses are common and often lead to death.
Drugs have their uses in treating ailments and can also be used for recreation in moderation. The side effects are serious and can cause problems, including death. If you or someone you love has a drug problem, don’t ignore it. Seek professional help. It may well save a life.
