It is pretty common knowledge that alcohol and substance abuse negatively affect the brain and body. According to experts, they can alter brain chemistry and lead to infections and other health complications. They may also cause accidents, injuries, and long-lasting or permanent consequences. Here are some of the most common side effects of alcohol and substance abuse:

• Brain chemistry: The brain is one of the most important and complex organs in the human body. It controls one’s thoughts and also the body’s physiological processes. Studies have shown that alcohol and substance abuse alter the chemicals in the brain and affect its functioning. These products release the feel-good chemical dopamine in the brain and cause a person to get used to it. Over time, one may not be able to function normally without it, which results in dependence and addiction. Alcohol and substance addiction also causes changes in personality, memory, and bodily functions.
• Infections and heart conditions: Among the common side effects of alcohol and substance abuse, an elevated risk of infections and cardiovascular diseases is a result of weakened immunity. Addiction may also result in abnormal heart rates and heart attacks in some people, and many also experience collapsed veins and infections in the blood vessels because of the frequent injections.
• Digestive system discomfort: Alcohol and substance abuse leads to nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss in a majority of people. Additionally, it strains the liver and increases the risk of liver damage or failure, and inflammation of the stomach walls and ulcers are also common.
• Mental conditions: Mental confusion and brain damage are some of the common side effects of alcohol and substance abuse. Some may experience memory loss, problems with attention, inability to make decisions, severe headaches, and lack of coordination.
• Anemia: This is yet another common side effect of drugs and alcohol. According to experts, excessive use of alcohol and addictions prevent the body from creating the required number of healthy red blood cells. Consequently, the organs do not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen to function properly. Anemia can result in fainting spells, exhaustion, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, yellowish skin, and cold hands and feet.
• Muscle and bone conditions: Research has shown that chronic heavy alcohol consumption affects bone health and elevates the risk of osteoporosis after a certain age. Addictions also cause bone loss and worsen existing joint pain, and they prevent the absorption of calcium and vitamin D in the stomach, causing bone loss and other associated conditions. Brittle bones and nerve damage also increase the risk of fractures.

Apart from these side effects of alcohol and substance abuse, it can lead to poor nutrition, damage to the internal organs, respiratory problems, and heightened emotions.