Addiction and Health National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

Patients’ reluctance to reduce or stop using may be better combated if physicians were able to adequately identify and communicate how substance use was impacting specific health conditions. Personal relevance along with a more complete picture of how behaviors affect well-being may assist in promoting and sustaining behavioral change. Addiction profoundly influences a person’s mental health through various pathways.

How can addiction harm other people?

The specific physical effects of substance use may vary among individuals and depend on the substance, dosage, delivery method, and length of use. When chronic substance use occurs over a long period, these short-term physical effects may cause long-term changes to a person’s brain and body. This article discusses the physical and mental effects of substance use disorder.

Heart

Addressing both substance abuse and mental health concurrently is critical to improving recovery outcomes and ensuring that individuals do not fall deeper into this cycle of dependency and mental distress. Some effects of drug abuse and addiction include changes in appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. More serious health issues such as cognitive decline, major organ damage, overdose, and death are also risks.

When looking at weekly habits, the numbers were much lower but still eye-opening. Again, cocaine had the lowest number of years lost with only 1.8 – 8.1 years. At the top end of the spectrum was heroin, which had the potential to take almost 25 years off of an addict’s life if they use the drug 5 times per week. For example, it can have a direct impact on the eyes (a subset of the nervous system) and the nose (part of the respiratory system).

For example, it is now well-known that tobacco smoke can cause many cancers, methamphetamine can cause severe dental problems, known as meth mouth, and that opioids can lead to overdose and death. In addition, some drugs, such as inhalants, may damage or destroy nerve cells, either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system (the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord). Regardless of what type of addiction treatment program a person chooses, what matters the most is getting and staying clean.

Neuropsychological Consequences of Chronic Drug Use: Relevance to Treatment Approaches

• So it’s hard to predict who might actually benefit and who may be harmed more than helped by alcohol consumption.
• These limitations make it hard to know how much to rely on studies that find health risks (or benefits) to alcohol consumption.
• Community-based organizations and state-funded treatment programs usually involve a combination of behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medication.
• They produce a sense of euphoria and well-being by flooding the brain with dopamine.
• As a part of our research, we wanted to take the data from above and convert it into the percentage of life a user is losing through their drug addiction.

Of course, no one needs to wait for new guidelines or warning labels to curb their drinking. Many are exploring ways to cut back, including the Dry January Challenge or alcohol-free drinks. By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers.

Psychosis

Such isolation exacerbates feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, they’re different. Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways. These limitations make it hard to know how much to rely on studies that find health risks (or benefits) to alcohol consumption. Even among the positive studies, potential health benefits are often quite small.

• Each substance poses its own unique risks, and the cumulative toll on the body and mind can be overwhelming.
• Certain substances may lead to drowsiness and slow breathing, while others may cause insomnia, paranoia, or hallucinations.
• Unfortunately, the consequences of non-medical use of prescription drugs may continue to rise as the younger generations with access to pharmaceuticals ages and social acceptance of medication sharing continues.
• Krokodile, a homemade opioid, is notorious for its flesh-eating properties, leading to severe skin ulcers and infections that can necessitate limb amputation.
• Interestingly, hair analyses also revealed that marijuana users with high THC concentration were more likely to exhibit schizophrenia-like symptoms (47, 48).

Explore the startling social media addiction statistics & facts that reveal the global impact of our online habits. Discover strategies on how to stop eating addiction and unlock freedom with expert insights and treatment options. Explore the answer to is addiction a disease and discover the science behind this complex condition. Discover how to help your son with drug dependence through support, prevention, and effective therapies.

And not so long ago there was general consensus that drinking in moderation also came with health advantages, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These long-term effects underscore the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Alcohol can have short- and long-term effects on the brain and disrupts the brain’s communication pathways. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and you live in California, you can search for inpatient rehab programs in Orange County, to start your road to recovery. Life is the hardest thing that will ever happen to any of us, but it’s also the most fulfilling.

Theme 1: risks predisposing adolescents to substance use

Chronic alcohol use is particularly harmful to the liver, sober house cardiovascular system, and brain. As substance abuse progresses, individuals often begin to isolate themselves, distancing from friends, family, and social activities. This self-imposed isolation can lead to a lack of support, increased loneliness, and a reliance on others who share similar habits, which further fuels the cycle of addiction.

To prevent liver damage, individuals should seek help to https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ reduce or eliminate substance use, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid alcohol. Medical interventions and regular check-ups can also help manage liver health. Liver cirrhosis is a severe condition where the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. If you or a loved one are battling addiction to any kind of drug, you may experience a combination or all of the effects of drug abuse mentioned.

In severe cases, psychosis may persist long after substance use stops, sometimes requiring ongoing psychiatric treatment to manage these symptoms. Discover the connection between anxiety and addiction, and explore effective treatment options for recovery. Additionally, addiction itself can modify personality traits, increasing feelings of paranoia, anxiety, or depression. This can complicate relationships with family and friends, creating a cycle of withdrawal and social isolation. Drug addiction is a complex, chronic medical disease that results in compulsive use of psychoactive substances despite the negative consequences. Many of the effects of drug addiction are similar, no matter what substance someone uses.