Drugs of abuse can provide pleasure to the user, but they are also toxic. Drug abuse, also called substance abuse or chemical abuse, is a disorder characterized by a destructive pattern of substance use that results in significant problems or distress. This occurs when a person begins to regularly consume a substance beyond what is recommended if the substance is prescribed. If the substance is not prescribed, abuse occurs when the amount of substance used is increased to achieve an effect that was previously achieved with a lower amount. Drug abuse carries many dangers, including physical and psychological dependence, changes in brain chemistry and function, and death. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Substance abuse is dangerous to one's health because it can make the addict more vulnerable to disease. When abusing a drug, the potential for addiction increases due to the physical craving the body develops once the effects of the drug are achieved. Abuse develops into dependence thanks to the chemical changes the drug makes in the body when used regularly. Additionally, an emotional and mental attachment develops, causing a preoccupation with the pleasurable effects provided by the drug. The body does not receive the drug when it is not present, causing the person to seek this feeling by continually using drugs. Addiction causes unfortunate mental and physical withdrawal side effects, depending on the drug consumed. This may require medical and psychological intervention in order to break free from the developing addiction. Medications have been shown to change brain chemistry. Although initial drug use may be voluntary, drugs have been shown to alter brain chemistry, which interferes with an individual's ability to make decisions and can lead to craving, seeking, and use. compulsive. Over time, medications change how the brain works by changing its neurons and circuits. These changes are particularly damaging to the person's brain, which is still developing. Long-term effects include impairments in learning, memory, and, as previously noted, the ability to make good decisions. Impulse control is another area affected by drugs and involves changes that can last a person's entire life. Additionally, drugs can condition the brain so that it associates certain things with drug use. When this happens, intense cravings are triggered. This then becomes a substance dependence. Drug use can contribute to a person's death sooner than expected. Dopamine regulates body temperature. Increasing dopamine levels with stimulants can affect the body's ability to cool itself. Combined with increased activity, this can cause a dangerous increase in body temperature, leading to organ failure and death. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Finally, drug abuse is responsible for most physical and psychological addictions, changes in brain chemistry and function, and even death. Some drug addicts develop serious health and mental problems such as brain changes,..