Are the dangers of substance abuse real? Many people recognize that drug use carries risks, but others don’t recognize just how comprehensive and complex those risks can be. If you are facing drug or alcohol addiction, or you’re just using these substances without fear, it may be time to explore what could go wrong. Take a closer look at what these dangers are. Then, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, for immediate help.
What Are Common Dangers of Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse occurs when a person is using a drug or alcohol in a compulsive manner, knowing that there are dangerous and negative consequences to doing so. Even knowing this, they still continue to use. Recognizing this, it’s important to explore what those dangers really are.
Effects of Drugs on the Brain
When a person uses drugs, they move through the bloodstream to the brain. There, they interact with the various components of the brain to create various sensations. Some drugs, such as opioids, interact with the pleasure centers of the brain, creating a euphoric high. Others work to stimulate the brain, encouraging it to work harder and faster.
When this occurs, it changes the brain’s chemistry and function. The brain becomes dependent on the drug. Without it, it struggles to function normally. This leads to the need to use more and more of the substance to gain the same high. Over time, this becomes very toxic, creating damage to the brain itself. Meth, for example, causes brain damage.
Symptoms of Change in the Body
The dangers of substance abuse are evident in every organ and function in the body. Some common changes you can expect, include:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Decreased respiration, sometimes difficulty breathing
- Increased blood pressure increases the risk of strokes or heart attacks
- Psychosis, including hallucinations and paranoia
- Damage to the lining of the lungs
- Damage to the digestive system
- Overdose, a sudden, life-threatening condition
- Seizures
- Sudden death
Over the long term, individuals are likely to develop conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and heart disease. Many will also face complications due to brain damage, including limited cognitive function.
Changes to Behavior
The dangers of substance abuse go further than this. Many times, it changes the way a person behaves, too. For example, a person using drugs is likely to engage in reckless behavior, such as driving a vehicle. They are more likely to engage in unprotected or frequent sex with various partners. They may share needles. This increases the risk of HIV or AIDS occurring. Those using drugs are more likely to have a sexually transmitted disease, including hepatitis from this type of reckless behavior. Additionally, many engage in criminal activity to continue to support their drug habit.
Indirectly, drug use can create problems with a person’s nutritional health, aggression, mental wellbeing, and decision-making. Sometimes, it may cause them to be at a higher risk of hurting others, too.
You Can Break Free from Addiction with Help
If you are facing the complications from drug abuse, there is help available to you. Our team at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida offers the support you need. This includes providing you with a comprehensive drug detox center that can support you as you work towards removing this substance from your body. You will also gain the benefits of having your medical needs met while you are in our detox program. As a medical detox center, you can rest assured that many of these complications can be, initially, treated when you obtain care here.
We provide much more than this, including creating a customized addiction treatment plan to meet your needs. This, along with a compliment of detox therapies and solutions, can help you to get back to being as healthy as possible.
Drug and Alcohol Use Put You at Risk – Let Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida Help You
When you understand the dangers of substance abuse, you can see that it’s very important for you to take the time to seek out immediate help. Our team provides a comprehensive detox center designed to help you stop the addiction and to find your way to recovery. Speak to our licensed and trusted counselors by calling 866.294.5306 today.
