Victims of substance abuse will always have mental scars that can take as long to heal as the physical ones. Individuals that suffer from substance abuse will still feel the impact long after getting clean. The journey to recovery is tough, and the stories that are created can be an inspiration to stay on the right path.
When It First Hits
Addictive stimulant drugs take hold of your mind long before it runs through your body. The big story here is that minor drugs used for medicine can be just as dangerous as major illegal drugs like meth. It’s all about the dosage, frame of mind of the user and of course their current health. The effects of illicit substances hurt both the mental and physical state of the user. Even when the physical scars start to go away, mental breaks can still continue doing serious damage. So, in the case of prescribed drugs, there is a chance misuse can turn it into a gateway experience. This is the mental part of substance abuse, and it should never be minimized.
Neurotoxicity Syndromes
Damage to the nervous system by toxic substances is known as neurotoxicity syndrome. With certain medications, this can become a bit challenging when the prescription is required as part of the treatment. In the case of neurotoxicity caused by prescriptions, it is due to misuse or abuse of the prescribed substance. There are multiple ways to reverse the damage, including countering with a different set of medicine. When the cause of the condition is the patient, then extra care has to be taken during the diagnosis and treatment steps.
Physiological Effects
As the frequency of illicit substances rises, the body’s metabolism takes a hit. When the use becomes severe, your body develops a tolerance. This leads to a natural dependence on the same harmful substance that is causing your body to break down. For the user, this progression is hidden behind the mental woes of being off of a high. As things get worse, health problems that were once reversible become permanently damaged. Although it’s easier to see the physical downfall of substance abuse, the physiological effects are always in motion.
Neurobehavioral Manifestations
When substance abuse leads to neurobehavioral manifestations, brain damage becomes a serious concern. Some of the side effects of this condition are psychosis, aggression, impulsivity, cognitive impairment and even memory issues. This is a short list of the problems that shows how serious the mental breakdown becomes when the brain gives in to substance abuse. Neurobehavioral manifestations are huge social activity blocks that makes it almost impossible to interact normally in daily activities. As close relationships begin to suffer, the user’s brain shuts down and relies more on the very substance that is causing the problem.
Keep A Clear Mind
Substance abuse side effects should never take away your positivity or willingness to be better. There are detrimental effects from taking drugs, but all of the problems are can be beat by having the right mindset. Stay strong, and don’t let the past dictate your future.
