The body undergoes enormous changes when it is continually abused by drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Various illegal and legal drugs taken without medical supervision damage most all of the organs, from the liver and kidneys to the heart and lungs. Addicts may be exposed to a variety of infectious diseases including HIV. Fatal diseases like cancer and respiratory failure also are potential side effects of substance abuse. Body temperature and appetite often are affected and create additional health problems.
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Chronic abuse of many drugs, including heroin, alcohol, inhalants and steroids, can create the conditions for liver failure. Needle usage causes side effects that include collapsed veins and abscesses that can become infected. Liver and kidney failure are common side effects of long-term heroin abuse. The kidneys become damaged when they can no longer respond properly to increased body temperatures and high doses of toxins from drugs and alcohol consumption. Smoking marijuana causes serious respiratory infections and can lead to respiratory problems. Asphyxiation, choking and suffocation can occur when the air in the lungs becomes displaced by inhalants.
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