Impact of Illicit Substances on Health

Despite the four categorized key groups of substances namely, stimulants (e.g., cocaine), depressants (e.g., alcohol), opium-related painkillers (e.g., heroin), and hallucinogens (e.g., LSD), there are a few other substances that do not fit into any particular category (e.g., caffeinated energy drink). While tobacco and alcohol are the most common forms of substances known for the harms they cause to human health, there are other equally illicit harmful substances that have deleterious effects on health. These include psychoactive substances (e.g., marijuana), amphetamine-type stimulants (e.g., ecstasy, amphetamines, and methamphetamine), opiates (e.g., heroin), and stimulants (e.g., cocaine and “khat”). The aforementioned illicit substances will be discussed in this chapter. While there is indisputable evidence that substance use causes heart disease, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases, there is anecdotal evidence on the influence of illicit drugs on health (e.g., the less common drugs). The impact of illicit substances on health and wellbeing and factors that lead to the use of illicit substances are also discussed. The effects that each substance has on the physical and mental health of individuals and communities are also debated, including resultant diseases. The early signs of diseases due to substance use are detected late, making it difficult to intervene timeously. Lastly, a brief evidence of intervention is presented.