While drug and alcohol substance abuse affects each person differently, there are several consistencies with how they affect the mind and body. Short term and long term use also have an impact on the lasting effects of substance use and abuse.
If you have already made the decision to get help with your substance use disorder, contact Indah Recovery. Our full service drug and alcohol treatment combines the best of traditional and unique therapies to support holistic healing of the body and mind.
Short Term Effects of Drugs and Alcohol Use on the Body and Mind
The short-term effects of drug and alcohol use on the body and mind vary greatly based on the type of substance and the amount consumed.
While physical short-term effects of alcohol include:
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Impaired vision
The impact on the mind can be just as jarring. The short term mental impact of alcohol can include:
- Relaxation to the extent that judgement is impaired
- Increase in risky behavior
- Memory loss due to blackouts
- Violent reactions
The effect that alcohol can have is similar to some depressants and opiates, however is opposite to methamphetamines and other stimulant narcotics.
The short term physical effects of stimulants include:
- Rise in blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Increased activity
While the mental effect of stimulants looks like:
- Increased attention (hyper focus)
- Decreased fatigue
- Euphoria
The short term effects of alcohol and drug use vary, but are often short lived. The danger comes with the feelings of euphoria, lack of pain, or relaxation in combination with the addictive nature of these substances. Being physically able to alter the feelings in your body increases the likelihood that you will try again, thus creating an addiction.
Long Term Effects of Alcohol and Drug Use on the Mind and Body
The lasting long term effect of drug and alcohol use on the mind and body can be marginally different. One thing that is consistent across all substances is the increase of risky behavior leading to the increased possibilities for trauma.
The long-term impact that drug and alcohol use have on the mind can include:
- Addiction
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Memory loss
- A change in the brain structure and function
- Psychosis
- Mood disturbances
- Dementia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social interaction issues
- Personality disorders
Though long term use does not guarantee any of those specific instances, you are putting yourself at a higher risk for these long-term mental health issues and illnesses.
The long term physical impact that drug and alcohol use have on the body differ based on the substance you put in. However, they all have the ability to impact the way your body functions.
Long term alcohol and drug use can include:
- Coma
- Cancer
- Hepatitis
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Hormone imbalance
- The ability to become and stay pregnant
- Reduction of bone density
- Dental decay
- Collapsed veins
- Lung and breathing issues
And these are just the possibilities that don’t include death due to risky behaviors or overdose. In 2019, 1 in 100,000 people died of an overdose in the United States. That’s over 70,000 people in a single year. The CDC predicts that 100,000 people died of an overdose in 2020, decreasing that number to 1 in 78,000.
If you don’t want to be a statistic and you are ready to change your life, contact Indah Recovery today.
Contact Indah Recovery Today for More Information
We are a full-scale alcohol and drug rehabilitation center that is client focused and purpose driven. Our goal is to create a luxury addiction treatment program that supports and challenges you to make changes in your life for the better.
At Indah Recovery we offer medically monitored detoxification, residential inpatient care, and a fully supported aftercare program. By completing our intimate intensive treatment program, we are home to create opportunities for lifelong sobriety and emotional healing.
Contact Indah Recovery today to see how we can support your rehabilitation.
