What Substances Harm the Brain Permanently?
Using drugs is not all glamorous as they show on TV. A wide range of neurological alterations can occur as a result of substance use, however many of these are directly related to intoxication and disappear after the substance leaves your body. However, long-term and harmful neurological problems are sometimes linked to severe or chronic use of particular substances; these problems are typically not the result of cell death leading to irreversible neurological damage. In fact, when you stop using drugs or alcohol, many brain alterations or neurological issues brought on by substance abuse might get better or even go away.
Although addiction is seen as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder, some drugs and substances are more likely to have an adverse impact on the brain than others. Some medications change the chemistry of the brain in a way that makes depression and mood disorders more likely, whilst other medications have been linked to major brain diseases including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Treatments are employed in drug and alcohol detox facilities to assist the brain to regain its equilibrium and to lessen or repair the harms brought on by substance abuse. Addiction specialists will help the patients to the fullest. But continuing the addiction without seeking help increases the risk of death and causes major long-term health issues.
The following four substances may harm the brain permanently:
1. Heroin
Heroin is an opioid. Heroin interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain and bring about feelings of pleasure. Repeated heroin use can alter the structure of the brain, which results in a severe chemical imbalance in the brain, including hormones and neurotransmitters that control mood. It may take years to repair and improve these structural changes in the brain, which necessitates long-term specialized care. The use of heroin over an extended period of time may have a negative impact on one's capacity for self-control and decision-making, as well as increase the risk of dependence and addiction. But heroin recovery is possible at early stages.
2. Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that accelerates the activity of the central nervous system to have the effect of boosting energy and heart rate. However, regular meth use can have a variety of psychological side effects, such as memory loss, paranoia, hallucinations, and a decline in cognitive and motor abilities. Repeated meth usage can also result in mental disorders including depression and bipolar disorder as well as aggressive or violent conduct. Since many of the withdrawal symptoms from meth are psychological in origin, many people who enter drug rehab for meth addiction instead receive therapy. When a meth addict is in recovery, medications may be utilized to address mood disorders and withdrawal symptoms.
3. Cocaine
A similar stimulant to caffeine, cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and results in feelings of enhanced energy, exhilaration, and alertness. Cocaine produces a brief high that is swiftly followed by a severe crash marked by agitation and psychosis. When someone becomes addicted to cocaine, their brain chemistry can change so drastically that many users continue to experience psychological withdrawal symptoms for up to several weeks after quitting. People who are recovering from cocaine addiction frequently experience anxiety, despair, and ongoing memory and attention issues.
4. Alcohol
Both short- and long-term consequences of alcohol usage are detrimental to brain health. Abuse of alcohol and binge drinking episodes can cause memory loss, impaired decision-making, and blackouts. Heavy drinkers who struggle with alcoholism may be more susceptible to memory loss, attention deficit disorder, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain illness brought on by a deficiency in vitamin B1 that can induce extreme mental disorientation, hostility, and violent conduct.
Addiction Treatment Programs
One must not delay getting addiction treatment. Different techniques of addiction treatments are used in drug and alcohol rehab facilities to address addiction as a whole. Drug detox is used to assist you or a loved one in overcoming physical reliance on drugs and alcohol, while treatment is sometimes used to address the psychological reasons for addiction as well as any psychological issues that the addiction may have exacerbated or precipitated. Attending a drug rehab facility can aid in the safe and effective recovery from addiction for you or a loved one. You can choose either an Inpatient or an Outpatient addiction treatment rehab, whatever suits your needs best. Most of the time addiction treatment is also covered by Insurance providers like HBCBS Insurer. Make sure to contact your Insurance provider beforehand.
In the end…
Addictive substances can result in neurological issues. Respiratory depression, which can also happen from an alcohol overdose, causes brain damage directly. Therefore, one must refrain from abusing drugs and alcohol and stay sober!