Simply put, our bodies are incredible machines that constitute some of the most advanced networks on the planet. In fact, when you put our systems together and take a moment to admire this single unit, you will begin to realize why taking care of your health is so critical. Likewise, you can imagine how dangerous substances like drugs and alcohol can throw this amazing machine out of whack. With one puff of smoke and one taste of a drink, your body can quickly deteriorate into a shell of its former self. So, for a moment, take some time to consider how drugs can negatively affect your fragile respiratory system, our only source of filtration for airborne antibodies and germs. By smoking or vaping, a person is poisoning this passageway and opening the floodgates for a plethora of problems ranging from the common cold to deadly strains of cancer. Let’s take a closer look and find out how drug addiction and abuse can affect the respiratory system.
Types of Respiratory Problems
Based on the book Functional Respiratory Disorders, medical professionals typically classify respiratory problems into four types of conditions:
- Respiratory: disorders that restrict the system’s primary functions (ex: fibrosis)
- Vascular: disorders that directly affect the respiratory system (ex: pulmonary edema)
- Environmental: intrusive problems like cancer or tuberculosis
- Obstructive: problems that clog up the system (ex: bronchitis)
How Do Drugs Affect This System?
Every time you inhale, your respiratory system filters out microbes and other germs that could cause your body harm. In that light, this network conducts the same activities with smoke (or secondhand smoke) enters your passageways, and this can lead to some deadly complications. Here is a closer look at drugs that can damage your respiratory system:
- Tobacco: Obviously, some of the most damage inflicted by cigarettes (or related tobacco products) take place when you inhale the smoke. After a time, smoking these deadly little sticks will cause the cilia (small hairs) in your lungs to deteriorate. Likewise, cigarettes contain hordes of toxins and poisons that can trigger a variety of cancers (most notably lung cancer).
- Marijuana: Ultimately, the science surrounding the effects of marijuana on the human body are limited, with no significant evidence suggesting that lung cancer is directly triggered by inhaling this plant. On the other hand, blunts (marijuana cigars) do contain tobacco and can pose a threat.
- Inhalants: A popular drug among teens and young adults, inhalants are toxic substances that include paint thinner, spray paint, lighter fluid, and more. Consuming these drugs place an addict at a higher risk for developing pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and other problems.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse and Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
