How Does Substance Abuse Really Affect The User?

The effects of substance abuse on the human body can be permanent or temporary. Damage may worsen over a longer duration with increased frequency, up to and including overdose and death. Diminished regard to personal hygiene, financial troubles, domestic violence and depression may also come about as a result from continued use habits.

Substance Abuse Statistics

According to recent studies, more that 8% of Americans ages 12+ have dabbled with illegal substances within the past year. A 2007 survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 14.8% of students ages 13 – 18 had engaged in some type of recreational drug use within the previous 30 days. Though addiction is often defined as a mental health issue, the effects it can take on the body are rather extensive.

Substance Abuse Effects On Brain And Body

Substance abuse effects the body in a variety of ways, including changes in brain functionality, organ damage and skin infections.

Pregnant women with addiction issues impose enhanced risks to their unborn children, including behavioral disorders, developmental delays, low birth weight and premature birth.

The effects of substance abuse on mental health include personality disorders, lapses in memory, violence, depression and irrational behavior.

How Quickly Do Negative Effects Start After Using Drugs?

The negative effects of substance abuse can begin taking shape after only one use or many. Substances that are smoked or inhaled, such as marijuana, may cause increased appetite and high blood pressure. Cocaine and other narcotics have been known to cause heart attack following overdose.

Perhaps the most common effect of substance abuse is addiction. Over a long enough use period, addicts may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not readily available. These symptoms can last anywhere from several days to a year or more depending on use history, amount and frequency.

Prevention And Treatment For Substance Abuse

Abstinence is key to the prevention of substance abuse effects. Recognizing when casual use upgrades to abuse is another crucial factor. Treatment centers for alcohol and narcotic addiction often prove useful in minimizing and managing the effects of the abuse by way of replacing the addictive substance with prescription alternatives. Support groups and counseling also play a vital role in the recovery process by helping patients deal with their addictions in a positive and healthy manner.

Opiate Withdrawal Myths Uncovered

Opiates are substances derived from opium poppies -- the most common of which are heroin, morphine and codeine. An abundance of information can be found on opiate withdrawal; some factual, some inaccurate. Understanding the basics of the withdrawal process can help alleviate confusion while providing realistic expectations throughout recovery. 

Severity

Contrary to popular belief, the severity of opiate withdrawal is not necessarily contingent upon the specific substance in question. Use history and frequency alongside routine dose amounts and administration methods all play into the intensity of an opiate withdrawal.

Treatments

An array of “cures” have been proposed to remedy or prevent withdrawal, most all of which are bogus. Though it is certainly possible to address specific symptoms through OTC and prescription medications, there is no known “cure” to alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.

Complications

Unlike alcohol, dangerous complications such as convulsions or seizure are not associated with opiate withdrawal. Though uncomfortable, the process is rarely fatal. With proper supervision, care and medication, there is little need for worry.

Symptoms

Though it is associated with an assortment of physical symptoms, withdrawal from opiates may not be to blame for every attributed psychological symptom, including hallucinations, aggressive behaviors and poor judgment.

Considerations

Making the effort to differentiate subjective opinion from factual information can help eliminate the many myths associated with opiate withdrawal. Question statements that include “never” and “always” in regard to recovery, while seeking the advice of a knowledgeable addiction specialist when questions arise.

Ready?

Searching for a drug rehab in California? Pick up the phone and call Above it All treatment Center today! With a team of seasoned professionals available to assess and address your individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you smiling, sober, and on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call  now!

Heroin Addiction – A Mental Disease?

Heroin addicts fight a debilitating disease that negatively affects their mental and physical well-being. It is important to understand that this addiction is not a mental disease, but rather a physical issue. In this entry, we will outline some of the effects and symptoms associated with this deadly addiction.

Heroin

Surfacing in the 19^th century, Heroin was initially introduced as an opium-based pain reliever. Today, the drug is illegal due to the fact that it is extremely addictive when taken in pill form, smoked, or injected into the blood stream.

Effects

The direct effect of heroin is the shutting down of the nervous system. With continued use, the drug will eventually lead to respiratory issues and blood diseases. Many addicts also experience severe malnutrition, depression, and flu-like symptoms.

Withdrawal

An addict attempting to kick their heroin addiction must go through the withdrawal process. Due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms, physicians suggest addicts seek out medically monitored detox to help ensure a safe, healthy and comfortable transition into sobriety. Without proper detox, addicts place themselves at risk for extreme depression, anxiety, body aches, nausea, paranoia, and insomnia. 

Depression

While many often label heroin addiction a mental disease, it is only able to coexist with other disorders. Studies find it widely uncommon for addicts to show signs of anxiety of depression following or prior to recovery…unless of coarse the conditions existed prior.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know are looking to combat an addiction to heroin, our Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, and let us help you get on track towards the happy, healthy and productive lifestyle you deserve.