Short-term Effects

Addiction

Drug Free World

• Short-term memory problems
• Problems with coordination
• Increased risk of stroke
• Severe anxiety (including paranoia)
• Panic
• Hallucinations
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Increased risk of stroke

Brain effects

Effects on pregnancy

Long-term Effects

• Decline in IQ (up to 8 points)
• Poor school and/or work performance
• Impaired thinking and ability to learn and perform complex tasks
• Lower life satisfaction
• Addiction
• Withdrawal symptoms 
• Potential development of opioid use
• Financial difficulties
• Relationship problems, intimate partner violence
• Decrease in size of the area of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and learning

Resources

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