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Understanding the Effects of Substance Abuse: An Urgent Exhortation to the Youth


It is estimated that more than 13% of the people abusing drugs in India are below 20 years of age. These youth engage in drug abuse as a coping mechanism to escape from adverse socio-economic factors such as unemployment, poverty, and limited or no access to resources for education and recreation.

The growing concern over the effects of substance abuse is a major challenge across campuses. The blog, with a glimpse of the latest initiatives by TKM College of Engineering against drug addiction, is an urgent call to the youth about the need for awareness and proactive action.

What Is Substance Abuse?

To understand the effects of substance abuse, you have to identify what it is. Substance abuse happens when alcohol and other drugs are used in a way that causes harm to an individual or community.

  • Alcohol abuse—regular consumption of alcohol till intoxication. This can even lead to risky situations, such as drunk driving.
  • Drug abuse—regular or occasional use of illegal or prescription drugs beyond prescription
  • Tobacco abuse—Regular chewing or smoking of tobacco, even while knowing the risks, causing harm to oneself and others.

Substance abuse is often recognized as substance use disorder (SUD). This condition can lead to psychological, physical, and social harm. Even the effects of drug misuse in small doses can lead to long-term damage.

This disorder is characterized by one being compelled to seek drugs despite knowing their harmful effects. Substance abuse could be effectively treated with a combination of

  • medications
  • therapies
  • support groups

The Immediate and Short-Term Physical Effects

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Larger or smaller pupils than usual
  • Change in appetite
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Change in physical appearance
  • Unusual body odor and unusual smell on breath and body
  • Impaired coordination

Intoxication is one of the immediate and short-term physical effects of using a substance. Its symptoms may include intense emotions or feelings of excitement, calm, or sleepiness. Intoxication can also affect decision-making and judgment.

Changes happening to the chemical balance in your brain are also one of the effects of drug misuse. Drugs can either increase or block the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, or endorphins.

These effects on neurotransmitters can increase aggression towards others or mood swings. Thus, substance abuse can also lead to risky behaviors such as drunk driving and unprotected sex.

Long-Term Health Consequences of Drug Addiction

The long-term effects of substance abuse on your body are even more damaging. Among the health consequences of drug addiction are

  • Liver disease
  • Heart conditions
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Mental disorders

Liver Damage

Liver damage caused by drug abuse includes scarring (cirrhosis), inflammation (hepatitis), and even liver failure. These damages can happen when the liver processes the drug directly.

The risk of developing liver cancer increases as the liver damage from drug abuse becomes more chronic. Drug abuse can also lead to:

Heart Disease

The effects of drugs on your body can also lead to heart failure. Illegal drugs, when injected, can also lead to cardiovascular problems, such as

  • Bacterial infections of the heart valves and blood vessels
  • Collapsed veins

Some of the substances that affect the cardiovascular system are

  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine

Respiratory Problems

The abuse and misuse of many drugs can lead to respiratory depression. The common respiratory conditions associated with drug abuse include

  • Pulmonary infections
  • Bronchospasm
  • Asthma exacerbation
  • Respiratory depression

Mental Health Disorders

The effects of drug addiction are both physiological and psychological. Substance abuse can disrupt brain areas that are affected in mental disorders like anxiety, schizophrenia, and impulse or mood-control disorders.

Psychological and Social Repercussions

The effects of substance abuse go far beyond physical harm. Substance abuse can often affect a person in different realms, such as academics, relationships, and community.

Drug addiction in students can lead to academic problems such as

  • Cutting classes regularly
  • Nonchalance towards academic activities
  • Poor academic performance

This leads to the students finding it difficult to make friends. They also don't feel accepted in school or college.

In close relationships, substance abuse can lead to trust issues. This is because people struggling with addiction are likely to lie to their loved ones. They may try to manipulate or be dishonest about possessing a substance.

Drug addiction also leads to emotional distance between couples. Under such circumstances, the fight or argument between partners sometimes becomes violent.

Social instability in a community is a key effect of drug misuse, often overlooked. The need to sustain addiction leads people to engage in criminal and illegal activities.

The Need for Rehabilitation and Support Systems

Rehabilitation services improve the social function and health of those fighting addiction. They prevent the worsening of SUD and avoid the need for services to tackle specialty substance use disorder.

The drug rehabilitation process involves different steps to guide one to overcome substance abuse. These include:

  • assessment
  • detoxification
  • therapy
  • aftercare

These steps constitute a comprehensive approach to achieving lasting recovery and enhanced well-being.

Spotlight: “Drop the Dope—A Fight Against Addictions” at TKMCE

On April 29, 2025, the TKM College of Engineering (TKMCE) hosted : "Drop the Dope: A Fight Against Addictions," an awareness program against drug usage to address the effects of substance abuse. The initiative aimed to reduce the effects of substance abuse through education and engagement.

Dr. Sajeeb R., Principal, TKMCE, formally welcomed everyone to the event, a collaborative effort of the college with Credence Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, and KIMS Health Hospital, Kollam. He highlighted the need for awareness and early intervention to control addiction among students.

The presence of the acclaimed Malayalam actor Shri. Vinay Forrt gave greater weight to the event. The actor in his keynote address noted, “Life itself should be the addiction—Jeevithamanu Lahari." He reminded the students that drugs could be replaced with positive alternatives such as creativity, art, and purposeful living.

Janab Jalaludhin Musaliar, Dr. M. Haroon, and Dr. Muhammed Zakeer were the other dignitaries present at the event. The inaugural session was followed by a panel discussion on "The Dual Impact: Mental and Physical Toll of Drug Abuse" with Dr. Arun Surendran, Principal & Strategic Director of Trinity College of Engineering, Trivandrum, as the moderator.

The panelists present were

  • Dr. Vinod B. Ganga, Consultant, Respiratory Medicine at KIMS Health, Kollam
  • Dr. Abraham Jerome, Consultant Psychiatrist at KIMS Health, Kollam
  • Dr. Shajna M., Consultant Family Physician at Credence Hospital, Trivandrum

The session witnessed an inspiring discussion on the effects of drugs on your body and mind and the need for collective responsibility from the community. Dr. Muhammed Sabeel K., Programme Officer, NSS Unit, TKMCE, gave the vote of thanks.

This initiative by the college successfully drew attention to the need for education and awareness about drug addiction. It highlighted the need for preventive action and dealing with addiction and mental health difficulties among youth.

Learn about our anti-drug cell.

Further Reading :

Empowering Students: Prevention Through Awareness

Awareness programs can help mitigate the effects of substance abuse before they escalate. Students can contribute to preventing the health consequences of drug addiction through

Education and Awareness:

  • Learning about the dangers:
  • Sharing information:
  • Challenging negative stereotypes:
  • Supporting peer education programs:

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms:

  • Practicing stress management methods:
  • Developing a strong sense of self-esteem:
  • Seeking help when required

Promoting Substance-Free Activities:

  • Participating in positive extracurricular activities:
  • Encouraging positive peer connections:
  • Organizing and attending substance-free events

Immersing in Prevention Efforts:

  • Supporting prevention programs on campus
  • Advocating for school policies to prevent substance use
  • Advocating for school policies to support students fighting addiction
  • Being a positive role model

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

Combating the effects of substance abuse is a shared responsibility that starts with awareness. The consequences of drug addiction in individuals may manifest themselves as associated health issues such as mental health conditions, heart disease, cancer, and more.

Awareness can make communities ready to identify the early warnings of drug abuse, assess needs, and take action. Substance addiction is a disease. And, finally, it is necessary to remember that drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers can successfully treat and cure addiction.

Call 1800-11-0031, the national toll-free helpline number for drug de-addiction, to seek help and to prevent drug abuse.

Further Reading: