Table.

Factors by which substance use disorders contribute to accelerated aging in drug addicted individuals including alcoholics and cigarette smokers

Toxic Effects of Drugs in Brain

Acceleration of aging in dopamine systems

Cerebrovascular pathology

Neuroinflammation

Enhanced sensitivity to stressors

Physiological Drug Effects

Cardio vascular

Pulmonary

Metabolic

Immune

Circadian

Behavioral/Social Drug Effects

Unhealthy life styles (poor nutrition, poor sleep patterns, lack of physical activity)

Social isolation (stigmatization, impaired access to healthcare and family and community support, poverty)

Infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis, other sexually transmitted diseases)

Involvement with Criminal Justice System