How Drug Abuse Destroys Your Skin and Complexion

Dark spots are usually a sign of aging, but trauma and poor nutrition can cause dark spots in young people as well. Poor circulation, often a byproduct of drug use, can lead to bruising and permanent skin marks. Neglecting personal care can lead a drug user to spend excess time in the sun which can also lead to dark spots.

Dry skin can be a sign of dehydration. Many drugs can cause your body to work harder in an effort to flush out toxins, which leads to dry and flaky skin. Smoke from illegal drugs can cause flaking and dryness. Dry skin is more prone to blemishes, wounds and poor healing.

Smoking, lack of oral hygiene and corrosive drugs can all lead to chapped lips. Dry lips are a primary symptom of dehydration.

If you are malnourished, exhausted or dehydrated, you may experience color changes in skin including spots and creases that were not present before. Many stimulant drugs such as cocaine, crack cocaine and Ritalin and opiate drugs like heroin and pain pills can all lead to nutritional issues.2 Later stages of addiction can cause the user to neglect regular meals and foods leading to malnutrition.

Rashes can indicate an allergic reaction, serious medical illness or a drug reaction. Scaly skin and itchy skin can indicate irritation or a contagious condition. Get any skin rash checked out by a medical doctor immediately.

Acne can indicate a buildup of bacteria on the skin or a neglect of hygiene.

Wrinkles in skin can be caused by sudden weight loss, smoke or other toxins in an environment. Chronic drug use can lead to premature wrinkling of skin.3