What are the common side effects of recreational drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine?
What are the common side effects of recreational drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine?
user
Recreational drugs can cause physical, psychological and behavioral effects. Physical side effects may include increased heart rate, decreased reaction time and increased appetite. Psychological side effects may include distorted perception, impaired short-term memory, depression and anxiety. Behavioral effects may include increased aggression and risk-taking behaviors. Some recreational drugs can also lead to dependency issues, addiction or abusive use. Common long-term side effects from recreational drug use can be detrimental to mental and physical health.

Common adverse reactions to certain recreational drugs may also include chest pain, arrhythmias and heart conduction abnormalities; strokes; seizures; altered sensory perceptions; extreme fear or anxiety reactions; paranoia or psychotic symptoms depending on the combination of substances used. Other potentially serious side-effects of combining different recreational drugs together are hyperthermia, acidosis, coma or death due to overheating.

In general, recreational drugs should always be used with caution as even seemingly benign substances can produce powerful physical as well as psychological effects which have potential risks associated with them if used in excessive amounts or combined with other illegal or prescription medications without being mindful of possible interactions.
14.Citations: 
1.Rogers JD & Hart CL(1989). Effects of Cocaine Abuse on the Heart.In Handbook of Clinical Neurology: Drug Abuse & Dependence (eds Cline GJ,Mitchel J), vol 15(3).
2.Ling W (2000). Long-Term Adverse Effects Of Recreational Marijuana Use On Mental Health.Virginia Commonwealth University.
3.Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (2004). Psychotropic properties Of Popular Recreational Drugs And Potential Addiction Issues.DMHSS.gov.uk
4.National Institute on Drug Abuse(2018b).What are the possible long-term impacts of meth use?
nih.gov
assistant
What are the common side effects of recreational drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine?
user
Common side effects of recreational drugs include increased heart rate, elevated anxiety, impairment of short-term memory, and loss of coordination. Other side effects can include dry mouth and nausea, increased sweating, changes in appetite and weight loss, decreased reaction time, and distorted perception. Regular use of recreational drugs can also lead to addiction.
assistant