The risks of overdose and death from drug use are no secret. According to the CDC, in 2022 107,941 people in the U.S. died of an overdose. That’s a staggering number, but the overdose risk discussion sometimes overshadows the long-term health risks of substance abuse.
In reality, both drugs and alcohol can affect many systems in your body and lead to conditions that can affect your quality of life and even lead to your eventual death.
Parts of the Body Impacted
Drugs and alcohol can take a heavy toll on most major systems of the body.
Your Brain and Central Nervous System
The effects of substance abuse on the brain and central nervous system can lead to symptoms that range from recurring headaches to seizures. It can also cause mood changes and cognitive deficits such as memory impairment and attention deficits. Damage to the brain and nervous system can be long-term or permanent.
Additionally, substance abuse can impact decision-making abilities due to inhibition and impulsivity, which can lead to injuries or death from risky behaviors.
Heart Health
Drug use can impact the function of the cardiovascular system, causing conditions such as hypertension, arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and even sudden cardiac death. Injection drug use can also let bacteria into the bloodstream which can cause a heart infection called endocarditis.
Cocaine, as an example, can lead to high blood pressure, slowing of the heart, and heart attack. Eventually, it can lead to heart failure.
Respiratory System
Smoking, of course, causes respiratory issues, but substance abuse with or without smoking can damage the respiratory system. Results can include shortness of breath, respiratory infections, fluid in the lungs, and death. Even alcohol use can damage your airways over time.
In general, drugs interact with gas exchange in the lungs. This can lead to a host of lung conditions, including pulmonary edema and pneumonia.
Kidneys
Many substances can affect renal function, leading to conditions like urinary retention. Substances can also cause kidney damage or failure, which can lead to death. Opioids, for example, cause oxidative stress, which can lead to injury to the kidneys.
One condition that is common with substance abuse is rhabdomyolysis, which breaks down muscle tissue and releases proteins into the blood, some of which can cause kidney damage.
Reproductive System
Research is scarce when it comes to the impact of drug use on the reproductive system, but studies suggest that it can cause fertility issues and sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction. Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to premature birth or stillborn birth, as well as adverse effects on the mother during birth.
Dental Health
Certain substances can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Methamphetamine, for example, can lead to “meth mouth”, which is severe tooth decay and gum disease that can cause the teeth to eventually fall out.
Other Issues
Drug use can also impact the eyes and skin, and alcohol can, of course, damage the liver. Alcohol can also cause other gastrointestinal issues, such as gut inflammation. The bottom line is that drug and alcohol use can have negative effects on nearly all parts of the body. These effects can sometimes be short term and resolve when substance abuse stops, but others can be long-term or permanent, leading ultimately to death.
Mental Health
People often abuse drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication for underlying mental health disorders. However, substance abuse can actually make these disorders worse.
Substance abuse can also lead to negative mental health symptoms including:
- Sudden mood changes
- Negativity
- Loss of motivation
- Relationship issues
- Depression and anxiety
- Drug-induced psychosis
Some evidence also exists that substance abuse can lead to mental health disorders, including long-term psychosis.
Injecting Drugs
Injecting drugs of any kind can lead to a whole set of unique health issues, including:
- Blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Bacterial endocarditis, a heart related infection
- Epidural abscess, an infection affecting the brain or spinal cord
- Vascular injuries
- Deep Vein Thrombosis, which is a blood clot development
- Pulmonary complications
Withdrawal
Withdrawal can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the substance being abused. That’s why often medically supervised withdrawal is necessary.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Tremors
- Muscle pain
- Hunger or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Irritability or agitation
- Depression or anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Seizures
Rarely, alcohol withdrawal can also lead to delirium tremens (DTs) or death.
Help Is Available
If you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder, the most critical thing to know is that help is available, and you have options. Treatment doesn’t necessarily have to be inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment may also be an option, unless medical supervision for withdrawal is necessary. You can explore your options, speak with your doctor, and decide which option is right for you.
While the thought of getting treatment may seem overwhelming, recovery is possible and will lead to a better quality of life and a better, healthier, and longer future. You owe it to yourself to take the first step and then move forward one step at a time.
Health Service Alliance offers a Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) program that combines medication, counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. You’ll receive compassionate care in a safe setting so that you can start your journey toward recovery. Call us to learn more about how we can help.