Short-Term Consequences Of Community: Impact On Community

Impact on Community The epidemic has many negative consequences regarding impact on community. “Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug, and its use has repercussions that extend far beyond the individual user” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). “The medical and social consequences of drug use- such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, fetal effects, crime, violence, and disruptions in family, workplace, and educational environments- have devastating impact on society and cost billions of dollars each year” (NIDA). This has been a growing problem over the past decade. “Between 2000 and 2009, 45 states reported public safety, health, and economic harm stemming from heroin use, according to an index developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy” (Pew Charitable Trusts). These impacts also effect the Cuyahoga County
The abused drugs can have harmful effects regarding the physical and mental well-being of users. Physical symptoms can be broken up into two categories consisting of short-term use effects and long-term use effects. Short-term effects can consist of: nausea and vomiting, grogginess, confusion, dry mouth, itchy skin, constricted pupils, light sensitivity, lowered body temperature, slow breathing, lowered heart rate, and cyanotic (condition of being blue- hands, lips) (Drug Abuse). Long term effects of heroin use include: decreased dental health, excoriated skin, severe constipation, unstable immune system, weakness and sedation, malnutrition, sleeping problems, and decrease in sexual function (Drug Abuse). Mental health concerns include: depression, social isolation, memory problems, anxiety, and dependency (Drug Abuse). Health concerns also extend beyond the users and effects the community in which we live. These health issues can put a negative strain on health care providers through increased patient numbers/overcrowding. It could also put them in harm’s way if the user is