Like any well-oiled machine, our bodies need the proper nutrients to function correctly. When we put proper nutrients into our bodies, we can be active, productive individuals. But when we put harmful substances into our bodies, we are at risk for serious health problems. When someone is struggling with drug addiction, they are continuously inserting harmful substances into their bodies. Most signs of drug addiction affect all aspects of the body.
Signs of Drug Addiction and Your Body
Drugs will affect different aspects of the body in different ways. To better understand how detrimental drug addiction can be, learn about the various signs of drug addiction.
Brain
One of the more obvious areas of the body that faces harm due to drug use is the brain. Most drugs cause chemical imbalances in the brain, which negatively affects function. They also act in one of two ways. They will either mimic neurotransmitters in the brain, or they will overstimulate the reward circuits of the brain. No matter your choice of drug, the disruption in the brain can create constant problems. The brain will no longer be able to produce dopamine on its own, which can lead to negative thoughts and emotions. It can also make stopping the use of drugs almost impossible.
Head
Many signs of drug addiction can be visibly seen on the face and around the head. The areas of the head that show these signs are:
Hair– Certain drugs can change your natural hair texture and color. Others can lead to premature hair loss or excessive hair growth.
Skin– Harmful substances will remove the elasticity from the skin, causing you to look up to 20 years older than your actual age. Your skin can also start to show scars and age spots.
Mouth– Because of the lack of caring for personal hygiene when struggling with addiction, oral health tends to be the first area to deteriorate. Teeth tend to decay quickly, which can also lead to bad breath and more serious oral health issues. Some drugs even cause rotting to occur from the root of the tooth.
Eyes– While you may not be able to see an issue with eyes visibly, you can feel and experience issues. Drugs tend to cause your eyes to dry out, which can lead to problems with vision.
Internal Systems
The use of harmful drugs will lead to the break down of vital bodily systems and organs. While some of these systems seem like obvious targets for harm, others might surprise you. The four main systems that begin to break down due to drug use are:
- Musculoskeletal
- Cardiovascular
- Gastrointestinal
- Respiratory
Nerves
The cells in our brains aren’t the only ones that experience damage due to drug use. In fact, damage can occur to nerve cells throughout the entire body, making normal movement and function difficult to accomplish.
Veins
Blood flow throughout the body not only keeps our organs functioning properly, but it also helps to regulate body temperature. Veins that fluctuate between constriction and dilatation can make it difficult to maintain a healthy internal temperature.
Finding Help with Morningside Recovery
If you or a friend is showing signs of drug addiction, a drug addiction treatment program is necessary to find lasting recovery. These programs provide the professional and medical help that individuals with addictions require. Without professional help, you or your loved one is at risk for relapse. At Morningside Recovery, we provide numerous programs and treatments that help those struggling with addiction. These include:
As soon as you notice signs of drug addiction, reach out to the helping hands at Morningside Recovery. To learn more about available services, call today at 855-631-2135.
