Substance Use

How Alcohol and Drug Dependence Affects the Body

Repeated drug and alcohol use causes chemical dependency, or lasting changes to the way the brain functions and operates. In fact, all abused substances alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory, and learning by hijacking the brain’s normal reward pathways.Although abused substances—including alcohol, heroin, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, nicotine, and prescription drugs—act on different pathways in the brain, they all necessitate increasingly higher doses to produce a high or simply allow the user to feel normal. Issues such as mental illness, multiple dependencies, and ancillary health problems may complicate substance dependence.

Side Effects of Long-Term Dependence

There are many risk factors and long-term effects associated with long-term dependence on drugs, stimulants, and alcohol including,

Weakened nervous system
Weakened immune system
Weight loss
Liver damage
Memory loss
Increased risk of mental health conditions
Constipation
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Heart disease
Hepatitis
Brain damage

How Caron Can Help

Are you or a loved one struggling with the effects of drug use? At Caron Treatment Centers, we provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment options to help individuals on the road to recovery. To learn more about about substance use, call 1-800-854-6023 or fill out our online form.