One effect of long-term drug use is the growing dependence on the drug, and this can manifest itself in a number of different ways. Physically, it can do damage do the brain. For example, the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), does damage to brain cells, specifically the axons, which serve as the channels through which information passes from neuron to neuron. Most drugs damage the brain in relatively the same way, and the user begins to experience paranoia and acute anxiety when away from the drug for a certain length of time.

Mentally, the damage shows itself through the user’s behavior. The user may show signs of instability, irritability, and stress. This is, once again, due to the drug’s damage on the brain.

Of course, the people around the immediate vicinity of the user suffer the most because of this erratic behavior. A great deal of confusion, frustration, and anger can come out of this, since the user’s pattern of behavior can change along with his length of drug use. Friends and family would find the user a changed person, who has the tendency to isolate himself from the rest of society just to continue the habit.

While the pleasure brought about by drug use can be exciting at first, its long-term effects far outweigh its positive one. The damage that long-term drug use does on the physical, mental, and social health of the user is great, making this an urgent issue to address.