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NIDA Home > Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse

Gastrointenstinal Effects

Picture of stomach

Mel Smith is a popular, university-educated actor and comedian who started taking the painkiller, Nurofen Plus (12mg of codeine/tablet)-- and taking, as many as 50 tablets a day. Taking these kinds of drugs to excess can lead to gastrointestinal problems, inflammation of the stomach, chronic constipation, abdominal bloating and liver damage. The habit landed Smith in a hospital with two burst stomach ulcers.

Source: Scotsman.com

Among other adverse effects, many drugs of abuse have been known to cause nausea and vomiting soon after use.  Cocaine use can also cause abdominal pain.

 

Drugs that can affect the gastrointenstinal system:

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