Recreational Drugs Addiction, Withdrawal and its Impact on the body: A Literature Review
Medical Research Archives January 1, 2025 Mustafa Zaman, Aseel Aljeshi, Kuragamage Kuraga et al. 1 citation
Recreational drug use now involves opioids, hallucinogens, and cannabinoids, whose psychoactive properties can lead to addiction, withdrawal, and serious health complications. Cannabinoid addiction is linked to endocannabinoid system dysregulation, causing physical dependence, mental health issues, and cognitive impairment. Opioid abuse has become a public health emergency, with withdrawal marked by intense psychological and autonomic symptoms. Hallucinogens like LSD and PCP alter neurotransmission and can cause neurotoxicity, lasting perceptual abnormalities, and mental illness. Pharmacological treatments such as opioid agonists and cannabinoid receptor modulators show promise, but long-term recovery remains difficult. Comprehensive treatment combining pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and harm reduction is essential to reduce the global burden of recreational drug abuse.