Substance-related disorder

The drugs used are often associated with levels of substance intoxication that alter judgment, perception, attention and physical control, not related with medical effects.

[14] There are many potential complications that can arise due to substance use such as severe physiological damage, psychological changes and social changes that are often not desirable.

Substance use is also often associated with premature ageing, fertility complications, brain damage and a higher risk of infectious diseases due to a weakened immune system.

[15][16] Long-term use has been linked to personality changes such as depression, paranoia, anxiety which can be related to psychological disorders.

It has also now been linked to severe brain damage leading to an inability to control behaviours, which could explain why many people who use substances go on to develop addictions.

[17][18][19] Substance use is often regarded as negative in society and therefore those who engage in such behaviours can often be subject to social discrimination.