Name the diseases with their five distinctive features to which drug addicts are prone to.

1. Infectious Diseases (Specifically, HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis)

Drug addicts, particularly those who inject drugs, are at significantly increased risk of contracting blood-borne infections.

• High Prevalence: Injecting drug users account for a disproportionately large percentage of new HIV and Hepatitis C infections globally.
• Shared Needle Use: The primary route of transmission is through sharing contaminated needles and syringes.
• Compromised Immune System: Chronic drug use weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
• Risky Sexual Behavior: Addiction often leads to risky sexual behaviors, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections like HIV.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Addiction can hinder access to healthcare and lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of infections.

2. Cardiovascular Diseases (Endocarditis, Myocardial Infarction)

Drug use, especially stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, places a significant strain on the cardiovascular system.

• Hypertension: Stimulants cause vasoconstriction, leading to elevated blood pressure and increased risk of stroke.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats are common, potentially leading to sudden cardiac death.
• Endocarditis: Intravenous drug use can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, causing inflammation of the heart lining (endocarditis).
• Myocardial Infarction: Cocaine use can cause coronary artery spasm and plaque rupture, leading to heart attacks.
• Cardiomyopathy: Chronic stimulant use can weaken the heart muscle, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy.

3. Neurological Disorders (Stroke, Seizures)

Many drugs directly affect the brain, leading to a variety of neurological complications.

• Stroke: Stimulants and opioids can increase the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
• Seizures: Withdrawal from certain drugs (alcohol, benzodiazepines) can trigger seizures.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Chronic opioid use can cause nerve damage, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the extremities.
• Cognitive Impairment: Long-term drug use can impair memory, attention, and executive function.
• Movement Disorders: Certain drugs, like methamphetamine, can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms.

4. Psychiatric Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis)

Drug addiction frequently co-occurs with mental health disorders, and drug use can exacerbate or trigger psychiatric symptoms.

• Depression: Chronic drug use disrupts neurotransmitter balance, increasing the risk of depression.
• Anxiety: Withdrawal from drugs can cause intense anxiety and panic attacks.
• Psychosis: Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine can induce psychosis, characterized by hallucinations and delusions.
• Bipolar Disorder: Drug use can destabilize mood in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• Suicidal Ideation: Addiction is a significant risk factor for suicide.

5. Liver Diseases (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis)

The liver is a major site of drug metabolism, making it vulnerable to damage from chronic drug use, particularly alcohol.

• Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis (A, B, C) is common in intravenous drug users.
• Fatty Liver Disease: Alcohol and other drugs can cause fat to accumulate in the liver.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
• Cirrhosis: Chronic liver damage leading to scarring and impaired liver function.
• Liver Failure: Severe liver damage can lead to liver failure, requiring transplantation.