Chronic Disease

Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs have been linked to a greater likelihood of developing a chronic disease or worsening the symptoms of an existing chronic disease [35376].

Drinking more alcohol than is recommended can result in heart attack or stroke [47098]. Alcohol has also been linked to liver, stomach and bowel cancers, and is a risk factor for liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis.

Tobacco use and vaping are also linked to chronic disease and long term harms [31577][51755]. Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals which can increase the risk of:

• cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke)
• cancer (of the lungs, mouth, lips, throat, stomach, liver, pancreas, kidney and bladder)
• lung disease
• diabetes.

While the evidence for long term harms from vaping are still emerging, there is strong evidence that vaping is linked to inflammation, oxidative stress and exposure to carcinogens [51654]. Long term of effects of cannabis use can include upper respiratory tract cancers, lung and heart disease. The use of stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine can result in cardiovascular problems and stroke [51655] .