A drug high is the euphoria a person experiences after using drugs. But how does this affect the human body? Medical research shows that drugs have a devastating effect on all body systems. Central Nervous SystemDrugs affect the central nervous system, causing changes in brain function. They increase the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. This leads to a feeling of euphoria and improved mood. However, a constant increase in dopamine leads to its depletion and destruction of brain neurons. This can lead to mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and paranoia. Cardiovascular systemDrugs also affect the cardiovascular system. They increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. In addition, drugs can cause coronary artery spasms, which can lead to coronary heart disease. Respiratory System: Some drugs, such as heroin, can depress the respiratory center in the brain, which can lead to respiratory arrest and death. In addition, smoking drugs can lead to the development of chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. Digestive System: Some drugs may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Chronic drug use can lead to stomach and intestinal ulcers. Immune systemDrugs weaken the body's immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This can lead to the development of HIV and hepatitis C in drug users. List of studies: Volkow ND, Koob GF, McLellan AT. Neurobiological advances from the brain disease model of addiction. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(4):363-371. Benowitz NL. Nicotine addiction. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(24):2295-2303. Volkow ND, Morales M. The brain on drugs: from reward to addiction. Cell. 2015;162(4):712-725. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Health consequences of drug misuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/health-consequences-drug-misuse. Accessed August 10, 2021. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The NSDUH report: substance use and mental health estimates from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FRR1-2014/NSDUH-FRR1-2014.pdf. Accessed August 10, 2021. Sign up for a consultation on addiction treatment by phone 8(960)087-03-03 (WhatsApp, telegram: addiktolog). Sincerely, your psychologist, addictologist Vyacheslav Vasiliev.