Although different illicit substances are associated with different specific adverse health effects, more generally the use of illicit substances can increase motor vehicle accidents, transmission of infectious disease, and complications during pregnancy.[2,3] There are additional risks associated with polydrug abuse.[1] Co-abuse of opioid drugs and benzodiazepines is common across the world and is associated with increased health risks, and greater risk of overdose.[1]
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts.
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, brains, and behavior: the science of addiction. 2022. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health. Accessed June 2022.