You will likely gain weight, increasing the risk of pressure sores, and again, be more likely to need help in transfers. Many other health risks accompany substance abuse, including heart attacks, liver problems, and even cancer, especially if you smoke. You are compromising your immune system when you abuse substances. Drugs and alcohol also compromise your ability to absorb and metabolize nutrients from your food. This lowers your body's defenses and affects your ability to maintain healthy skin and good circulation, recover from an illness, and heal an injury.
Scientists now understand that good feelings relate to chemicals known as endorphins.
When you habitually abuse substances, your body ceases to produce endorphins on its own. After a time, the only way to feel good is to generate endorphins artificially with drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs affect your judgment and ability to make decisions. At worst, your family might come to believe you are no longer able to make responsible decisions for yourself, and consider taking control of your life. They might even get legal guardian status and have you placed in a nursing facility.