Unveiling the Impact of Illicit Drug Addiction on Immune Suppression: A Narrative Review

Illicit drugs present serious health risks and societal challenges due to their addictive properties and detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. This study delves into the impact of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis on immune suppression, detailing their mechanisms of action and long-term effects. The objective is to uncover how these specific illicit drugs impair immune function, leading to heightened vulnerability to infections and chronic diseases. Thus, relevant information was gathered across databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies examining the immunological impacts of these drugs. Findings indicate that heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis have complex effects on immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. They disrupt immune cell function, alter cytokine balance, induce oxidative stress, and foster chronic inflammation, ultimately causing immune exhaustion and heightened infection susceptibility. Persistent use of these drugs is linked to ongoing immunosuppression, which contributes to chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders.

Unveiling the Impact of Illicit Drug Addiction on Immune Suppression: A Narrative Review Keywords:

Illicit drugs , immune suppression , Immunological effects , chronic diseases