June 26 marks the International Day to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a date to try to reinforce action and cooperation between countries in order to achieve a drug-free society. June 26 marks the International Day to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a date to try to reinforce action and cooperation between countries in order to achieve a drug-free society. What are drugs? According to the definition established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the term drug is linked to the area of medicine, referring to any substance with the potential to prevent or cure a disease. In practice, the use of non-therapeutic, self-administered psychoactive substances with the potential for abuse or dependence stand out. What are drugs? According to the definition established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the term drug is linked to the area of medicine, referring to any substance with the potential to prevent or cure a disease. In practice, the use of non-therapeutic, self-administered psychoactive substances with the potential for abuse or dependence stand out.
Effects and risks of drug use There are several types of substances that produce hallucinogenic effects in the body, generating serious consequences for the health of regular consumers. It is listed as one of the 20 risk factors for health worldwide, and affects the proliferation of other pathologies, such as HIV-AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis and cardiovascular diseases:
Permanent neurochemical and functional changes in the brain, generating the massive release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin with serious consequences at the brain level, in the short and long term. Addiction to the consumption of drugs and narcotic substances, impacting the nervous system. Respiratory and cardiovascular problems derived from prolonged drug use, affecting blood pressure, blood vessels, heart and lungs. Erectile dysfunction and acute and prolonged sexual abstinence. Weakness in the immune system, generating adverse reactions in the body, being vulnerable to diseases and infections, such as AIDS or hepatitis. Alteration of mood states, going from a relaxed state to an irritating and aggressive one. Anxiety and sleep disturbances: insomnia, nightmares. Psychological disorders, among which are schizophrenia, paranoid disorders and psychotic outbreaks. During the pregnancy period exponentially deteriorates the health of the mother and the fetus, causing the birth of premature babies, with learning and behavior problems. Death from overdose is the greatest risk.