We’ve all seen the advertisements—there’s a pill for every ill these day. Wonderful images of happy, well-adjusted folks; and then there are the small print and the litany of side effects, up to and including death. But, hey, you’re not afraid to go outside anymore! And these are the “legal” drugs—they have to come with warning labels. Illegal drugs are not accompanied by warning labels and often have a more devastating impact on our bodies. All drugs have side effects; all side effects are compounded exponentially when the use is excessive. Even tobacco products carry warning labels. Consider this your warning label for alcohol and chemical drug use. Researchers have found a connection between chemical use and cardiovascular problems, including collapsed veins and bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves, abnormal heart rate, and heart attacks. Drug use can lead to a variety of respiratory problems, including slowed breathing, blockage of air into the lungs, and exacerbated asthmatic symptoms. Chemical use can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, kidney damage or failure, significant liver damage, muscle breakdown, and global body changes such as dramatic swings in appetite and increases in body temperature which may impact a variety of health conditions. [inline_cta_two]
Makes You Wonder…
Why would people do this to themselves? Perhaps because of chemical use:
- It creates muscle loss due to poor protein intake and can cause muscle inflammation and increased fat deposits and high blood pressure.
- Irritates the stomach increases the risk of ulcers and gastric distress.
- Overworks the liver preventing bile production and filtering operations.
- Irritates the pancreas causing swelling which may block the flow of enzymes into the stomach resulting in digestive difficulties and diabetes.
- Inflames the kidneys causing frequent infections and increased water output resulting in excessive nutrient loss.
- Irritates, sedates, and aggravates the nervous system, none of which is good.
- Irritates and sedates membranes, including the esophagus, stomach, and rectum.
- Slows or increases transit time in the intestines, increasing the risk of poor absorption and certain types of cancer.
- It creates poor elimination via the rectum, potential diarrhea, and may cause hemorrhoids.
- Depletes the body of nutrients for healthy-looking hair and skin.
The human brain does not escape these calamities. All drugs of use act in the brain to produce their euphoric effects; conversely, they can act upon the brain to cause seizures, stroke, widespread brain damage that can impact all aspects of daily life, and changes in the brain that may lead to problems with memory, attention, decision-making, and even paranoia, depression, aggression, and hallucinations. Drug use can also inhibit cognitive functions, including learning and reasoning. Drugs can also foster overpowering maladaptive associations that may establish future cravings and drug-seeking behaviors, and create cognitive deficits that hamper sustained abstinence. Finally, drug-related deaths have more than doubled since the early 1980s. There are more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities from substance use than from any other preventable health condition. [inline_cta_four]
Alcohol, Opiates, and Stimulants
Having generally considered the impact of chemical use on the body, let’s mull over how these three-party favorites specifically harm the body. Alcohol use can impact the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Alcohol intoxication impairs two major organs involved in critical metabolism and nutrition: the liver and the pancreas. Other complications include diabetes, permanent liver damage (or cirrhosis), seizures, and shortened life expectancy. Additionally, alcoholism is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the US, inhibiting the breakdown and consequent usefulness of essential nutrients; it impairs nutrient absorption by damaging the cells lining the stomach and intestines, and can even prevent the digested nutrients from being fully utilized by altering their transport, storage, and excretion. Alcohol use is often associated with medical illness, which can become a consequence of consistent and excessive drinking. Finally, long-term alcohol use can permanently damage memory. Opiates (including codeine, heroin, and morphine) affect the gastrointestinal system. Opiates can also severely affect nutritional status. Opiate addicts often suffer from nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Electrolyte imbalances of sodium or potassium can occur. Stimulant use (including crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine) leads to weight loss and malnutrition. Stimulants eliminate the appetite while stimulating metabolic rate, and interfere with sleep so addicts often stay awake for long periods of time, burning even more calories. They may be dehydrated and have electrolyte imbalances. Scary Stuff It’s your warning label, remember? Do you need something to calm your nerves? Not all of these side effects happen to every addict, but all of these realities are on the table when the addict takes a seat. We could delve into further details, but the picture is clear.
Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition
However, all is not lost entirely once recovery crests the horizon. Some of the damage may even be reversible. In addition to ceasing all chemical use, and the other elements required of successful treatment, recovery needs to include proper diet, regular exercise, and vitamin and mineral supplements.
This includes low-fat, high-protein meals that are rich in nutrients and focus on whole grains. Recovering addicts need to eat smaller and frequent meals, drink plenty of water, and limit the consumption of sugar and caffeine. The road to recovery is long and arduous, but the road to recovery’s doorstep has been treacherous and death-defying.
