Caleb has poor eyesight from cataracts, a constant cough, and restricted blood flow in some blood vessels. What drug does Caleb most likely abuse?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Tobacco (Nicotine)
Explanation (300 words):
Caleb’s symptoms — poor eyesight from cataracts, a constant cough, and restricted blood flow in some blood vessels — strongly suggest he is likely a tobacco user, meaning he may abuse nicotine, which is found in cigarettes and other tobacco products.
1. Cataracts and Smoking:
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens that impairs vision. Studies show that smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts. The toxic substances in tobacco smoke (e.g., free radicals) damage the proteins and fibers in the eye lens, accelerating the aging process and leading to cloudiness.
2. Chronic Cough:
A constant cough is a hallmark of chronic bronchitis, often referred to as “smoker’s cough.” This is caused by long-term irritation of the airways from inhaled smoke, which damages the cilia (tiny hair-like structures that remove mucus and debris from the lungs). Without these cilia functioning properly, mucus builds up, leading to persistent coughing.
3. Restricted Blood Flow:
Tobacco use is known to constrict blood vessels and reduce circulation, particularly in the extremities. Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure, causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). This contributes to cardiovascular problems like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), increasing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Conclusion:
These symptoms—especially when combined—strongly point toward chronic tobacco use. While other substances may cause individual symptoms (like poor circulation from stimulants or cough from irritants), tobacco is the only common drug linked to all three. Long-term tobacco abuse is highly detrimental to multiple systems in the body, particularly the eyes, lungs, and cardiovascular system. Caleb would benefit greatly from medical intervention and smoking cessation support.