TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RECREATIONAL DRUG USE AND LONG-TERM HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Recreational drug use represents a major global health concern due to its well-documented acute toxic effects and growing evidence of long-term health implications. Although prior studies have addressed specific substance-related harms, there remains a lack of consolidated evidence evaluating both the immediate and chronic toxicological impacts across a wide range of recreational drugs. This gap underscores the need for a systematic review to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the toxicological effects and long-term health consequences associated with recreational drug use, with a focus on synthesizing data across diverse substances and study designs to inform clinical and public health strategies.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature was searched across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases using predefined keywords. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on human participants evaluating recreational use of psychoactive substances with reported toxicological or health outcomes. Exclusion criteria included non-English, animal, and unpublished studies. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: Eight studies were included, comprising observational studies, reviews, and surveillance analyses. Key findings revealed frequent polysubstance use, underreporting of drug intake, and a wide range of acute effects (e.g., coma, cardiac arrest, psychosis) and chronic consequences (e.g., bone demineralization, neuropsychiatric disorders, hormonal dysfunction). Benzodiazepines, cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, ketamine, and opioids were among the most implicated substances. Risk of bias was moderate, with variability in study designs limiting meta-analysis.

Conclusion: Recreational drug use is associated with significant toxicological risks and chronic health burdens. These findings underscore the need for enhanced clinical screening, public health surveillance, and targeted interventions. Future longitudinal research is warranted to clarify causal pathways and improve management strategies.