How Long-Term Substance Use Impacts the Body & Brain

It is a well-known fact that substance abuse negatively impacts one’s physical health. But what is not talked about as often is the severe impact substance use has on our brains and mental health as well.

In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the effects of certain chemicals on our physical well-being, it’s time we also have a conversation about substances and the negative effects those chemicals have on us as well.

The consequences of long-term substance use

Substance use has both short-term and long-term effects. The short-term effects include what one feels immediately after using a substance, such as any potential nausea, hallucinations, dizziness or increased anxiety. Most often, these effects pass when the substance wears off.

However, not all the effects pass. Because of the harsh chemicals that many substances are composed of, each use adds to the damage incurred in the body. So while the short-term effects may no longer be felt, the long-term effects of substance use continue to accumulate, leaving both mental and physical complications in their wake.

Effects of substance abuse on the body

The physical effects of substance abuse may vary based on the illicit substances one uses. However, any drug or substance has the potential to affect the body in more ways than one. Many of the body’s systems may be harmed, which can lead to a domino effect of illness within the body.

1. Gastrointestinal system

Substance use can lead to acid reflux and chronic pain due to damage and decay in the stomach and intestinal tract. Opioids specifically can depress the function of the intestines, which can cause constipation. So just because a wave of nausea passes does not mean the stomach has not sustained long-lasting damage.

2. Respiratory system

In much the same way that opioids depress intestinal function, they can also depress breathing. This can be dangerous for anyone, but people with asthma who also use opioids may experience worse symptoms.

However, it’s not only opioids that have the potential to damage the respiratory system. Any substance that is smoked has the potential to cause chronic lung diseases including lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema/COPD.

3. Cardiovascular system

Controlled substances, most particularly stimulants, have the potential to damage your heart. This can result in a number of conditions, including heart attacks and abnormal heart rates. Injecting substances into your blood vessels can lead to infection or collapse of the veins, causing various circulatory complications.

4. Liver and kidneys

Your liver and kidneys perform vital and necessary functions for your body, including removing waste from your systems. Substance use can cause serious, and sometimes life-threatening, damage to these organs. When alcohol is also included in the mix, liver damage from prescription opioids or heroin can become even more severe.

5. Brain

Perhaps the most dramatic physical effects that can result from substance use are in the brain. The chemicals within substances alter the chemicals within the brain, which is one of the reasons why overcoming addiction is so difficult. Due to the toxic nature of many of these substances, brain cells can die as a result of exposure. Unlike many structures of the body, once brain cells die, they can never regenerate.

Effects of substance abuse on the brain

The psychological effects of substance use are often related to changes in the brain. One may observe the following changes to mental health as a result of prolonged drug use:

• Mood disorders, especially anxiety and/or depression
• Changes in memory
• Impaired cognitive function, making it more difficult to think, learn and retain information
• Trouble with decision-making
• Changes in appetite and/or the development of eating disorders

If one is already suffering from a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, substance use can worsen these pre-existing conditions. Co-occurring disorders can have complex physical and mental effects on the body, making them difficult to overcome. In these situations, it’s recommended that professional help is sought out immediately.

Looking for treatment for substance use?

Regardless of one’s history with substances, help is available. High Focus Centers practices holistic treatment techniques to help patients overcome substance use. If you are seeking professional help, contact High Focus Centers today to learn more.