Different drugs have different affects in our body. Some drugs can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance, can cause a heart attack. While using drugs, people are also less able to do well in school, sports, and other activities. It's often harder to think clearly and make good decisions.
In a bid to highlight the dangers of drugs, The Priory Group have created an interactive infographic to show just what happens to your body when you get high.
From smack to a spliff, substances have shocking short and long-term effects on the body.
Dr Niall Campbell explained: "I see an increasing number of patients, often only 18, who are not only addicted to street drugs but have developed significant depressive and anxiety disorders.
"Distressing panic attacks from stimulants and hallucinogens – synthetic or mushroom-based – are on the increase.
"I have also noticed an alarming number of cocaine-induced, severe paranoid states requiring admission to hospital."
He added: "Unfortunately, as I say to patients, this paranoia may not be controlled by antipsychotic medication and may become a permanent state."
Here is how different drugs affect the body:
Heroin
Not only is heroin the most addictive substance on the planet, but it’s also the second most harmful in terms of its effect on users and society.
The drug – which goes by street names like Smack, Skag, Horse, H, Gear and Brown – is a drug made from morphine, which is extracted from the opium poppy.
Once taken it boosts the levels of dopamine in the brain by up to 200% making users feel euphoric.
Immediate side-effects can include a sense of wellbeing and relaxation as well as dizziness and vomiting. Long-term consumption can lead to collapsed veins and loss of body tissue - especially in fingers, toes and limbs.
Cocaine
Worryingly London was recently named the "cocaine capital" of Europe for the second year running. In fact it was one of the only cities in the world to see a rise in usage of the illegal substance.
And according to a recent report, one in 10 people aged between 16 and 59 have tried the white stuff at some point in their lives – making it the second most popular illegal substance in the UK after cannabis.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, so much so that about 21% of people who’ve had a dabble with the drug will become dependent on it.
It raises the body’s temperature, makes the heart beat quickly and can lead to overconfident and even aggressive behaviour.
Effects can last for up to 30 minutes on average, dependening on the quantity consumed. Long-term use can damage the kidneys, blood vessels and cause nasal perforation.
Cannabis
Cannabis is the most popular illegal drug in the world. When you smoke a spliff, the active chemical Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) travels through your body but most of the effects happen in your brain.
Cannabis users can feel more relaxed and happy, but can also feel light-headed, faint and sick. This can then progress to feelings of anxiety, paranoia and panic, with persistent use worsening the latter symptoms.
In some cases, continued use has been linked to the development of psychotic illnesses, particularly in those who are genetically vulnerable. Other side effects include an increased appetite and lethargy.
Methamphetamine
Meth – also known as crystal, chalk and ice – is highly addictive and comes with some serious health risks.
Users will often feel alert and awake which can result in an agitated, aggressive and confused attitude. Meth takers will also feel less hungry.
Heart rate and blood pressure can become elevated, risking a heart attack. Long-term abuse of methamphetamine has also been found as a contributor to panic attacks, psychotic episodes and brain damage.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Users can feel a sense of relaxation, happiness and euphoria after inhaling ‘laughing gas’, as well as feeling dizzy and experiencing hallucinations.
Risk of death is high with laughing gas, as nitrous oxide restricts the flow of oxygen to the brain.
Regular consumption can lead to significant nerve damage, causing tingling, pains and difficulty walking.
Ecstasy
E-users can find they become more energetic, confident and talkative, with music and colours feeling more intense.
They can also experience periods of confusion and episodes of lockjaw.
During the "comedown", users report a sense of feeling down, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, dehydration and nausea. Ecstasy has been linked to negative mental health consequences as a result of sustained use, such as disturbed sleep, psychosis, panic attacks and anxiety.
Legal Highs
Since the Psychoactive Substances Act came into effect in May 2016, many so-called legal highs are now actually illegal. These include "Clockwork Orange", "Blue Cheese" and "Spice".
Research shows that consuming these drugs initially creates feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but can lead to hallucinations, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, confusion, aggression and seizures.
Ketamine
A feeling of "floating" is a common effect of Ketamine consumption. Dependent on dosage, this will generally last for up to 30 minutes, but there are further long-lasting effects including difficulties with speech and movement as well as possible feelings of detachment from the body.
Hallucinations are common, as well as feelings of restlessness and anxiety.
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
As well as users experiencing hallucinations, the passage of time can feel much slower or faster when taking LSD, with physical objects appearing distorted.
Users can also experience flashbacks to ‘bad trips’ months and even years later.
Long-term use can exacerbate or contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
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