Drugs of abuse can give the user pleasure, but they are also toxic. Drug abuse, also called substance abuse or chemical abuse, is a disorder characterized by a destructive pattern of substance use that leads to significant problems or distress. It occurs when a person begins a consistent pattern of using a substance beyond what is recommended if the substance is prescribed. If the substance is not prescribed, abuse occurs when the amount of the substance used is increased to reach a high level that was once achieved with a smaller amount. There are many dangers related to drug abuse, including physical and psychological dependence, changes in brain chemistry and functioning, and death. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Drug addiction is dangerous to health because it can make the addict more susceptible to illness and disease. When a drug is abused, the potential for addiction increases due to the physical need that the body develops once the effects of the drug are achieved. Abuse turns into addiction through the chemical changes the drug makes to the body when used regularly. Furthermore, an emotional and mental attachment develops, which causes concern about obtaining the pleasant effects that the drug brings. The body misses the drug when it is not present, causing the person to seek that sensation through continued drug use. Addiction has the unfortunate side effects of mental and physical withdrawal, depending on the drug being abused. This may lead to the need for medical and psychological intervention to break free from the addiction that develops. Drugs have been shown to alter brain chemistry. Although initial drug use may be voluntary, drugs have been shown to alter brain chemistry, which interferes with an individual's ability to make decisions and can lead to compulsive craving, seeking, and use. Over time, drugs change the way the brain works by altering its neurons and circuits. These changes are particularly harmful to the person's brain, which is still developing. Long-term effects include impairments in learning, memory, and, as noted above, the ability to make good decisions. Impulse control is another area that is affected by medications and results in changes that can last for the rest of a person's life. Additionally, drugs can affect the brain causing it to associate certain things with drug use. When this happens, intense cravings are triggered. This then becomes a substance addiction. Drug use can contribute to a person dying sooner than expected. Dopamine regulates body temperature. Raising dopamine levels with stimulants can affect the body's ability to cool itself. In combination with increased activity, this can lead to a dangerous increase in body temperature, resulting in organ failure and death. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Finally, drug abuse is responsible for most physical and psychological addictions, changes in brain chemistry and functioning, and even death. Some drug addicts develop serious health problems and mental problems such as brain changes, behavioral problems, digestive complications, muscle disorders, liver problems and depression. Therefore, it is important.