Misuse and abuse of alcohol is the main cause of 2.3 million years of potential life lost annually, averaging about 30 years of potential life lost for each death.
Intravenous heroin injection provides the greatest intensity and most rapid onset of the initial high from heroin.
The effects of amphetamines often dissipate within a few hours or days.
Studies indicate that elevated levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein associated with inflammation, in cocaine abusers is associated with endothelial abnormalities and coronary artery calcification; factors known to contribute to heart disease.