According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, substance abuse can contribute to more than 70 conditions that require medical treatment. And women are often at greater risk, as their bodies retain chemicals for longer periods of time.
Here is a look at a few of the major organs impacted by abusing drugs and alcohol.
Your brain:
- Memory loss
- Low IQ
- Sleep problems
- Learning difficulties
- Cognitive problems
- Brain damage
Your eyes:
- Dilation
- Hallucinations
- Conjunctival lesions
- Corneal ulcers
- Talc retinopathy
- Permanent vision loss
Your teeth:
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis (gum disease)
- “Meth mouth”
- Oral cancer
Your heart:
- Rapid or irregular heart beats (arrhythmia)
- Sudden increase in blood pressure
- Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Vascular thrombosis (clots in the coronary arteries
- Collapsed veins
- Bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves
Your liver:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI)
- Drug-induced hepatitis
- Liver damage
- Liver failure
Your kidneys:
- Lesions on the kidneys
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney failure
- Irregular hormone levels
Your stomach:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bowel tissue decay
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Ulcers
- Damage to the digestive system
Your reproduction:
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Sexual dysfunction
- Infertility
Your emotions:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Psychosis
Stopping the Side Effects of Addiction
The best way to combat the physical and emotional health consequences of substance abuse disorder is early intervention. Don’t wait. If you or someone you love has a drug problem, Rising Roads can help you get the help you need today. Call: 866-746-1558.
The best way to combat the physical and emotional health consequences of substance abuse disorder is early intervention. Don’t wait. If you or someone you love has a drug problem, Rising Roads can help you get the help you need today. Call: 866-746-1558.