The Impact of Addiction on Physical Health

What if you woke up one morning and found yourself in the middle of a war in your body? You are battling an invisible enemy that nobody else can see except you.

 It is relentless. It is powerful. And it is inside you. This is the reality for millions of people worldwide who are fighting addiction.

Keep reading to explore the profound impact of addiction on physical health and how it can silently wage war on your body!

Addiction, Mental Health, and Physical Well-being: a Tangle of Trouble 

Addiction is commonly considered a mental health disease, and rightly so. 

However, it is not only a psychological fight but also a physical one, something many do not come to terms with. 

The impact of addiction on physical health can be overwhelming, as nearly every organ in the human body can be affected.

How Addiction Affects Your Body: The Battlefield Within

The Heart

Substance abuse could lead to various cardiac complications, starting from arrhythmias to heart attacks. 

There are drugs like cocaine whose use can lead to immediate serious complications such as arrest of the heart.

The Liver

Heavy drinking or drug use could cause several liver diseases like steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.

The Brain

An addicted person’s brain undergoes structural and functional changes, which affect judgment capability, decision-making processes skills, acquisition of memory, and behavior controls.

The Lungs

Smoking substances such as tobacco or marijuana may result in bronchitis, emphysema, or lung cancer.

The Stomach and Intestines

Alcohol or drug abuse may cause stomach ulcers and inflammation, leading to an increased risk of colon cancer.

The Immune System

Substance abuse weakens your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to prevent diseases or infections. 

This condition increases their probability of contracting diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, etc.

The Skin

Many drugs can affect the skin’s texture and appearance, including acne, scarring, and premature aging.

The Reproductive System

The use of drugs or alcohol disrupts the balance of hormones in your body and damages reproductive organs. 

It also increases the likelihood of infertility, miscarriages, or congenital disabilities to occur.

The Muscles 

Bacterial infections from injected drugs harm muscles, resulting in inflammation and swelling. Muscles become weaker over time due to substance abuse and chronic pain.

The Bones

Substance abuse lessens bone density, thus increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

The Teeth

Methamphetamine, for instance, destroys teeth beyond repair, leaving the dental pattern beyond repair commonly referred to as “meth mouth.” 

Substance abuse may also cause tooth decay, leading to gum disease and other oral health issues.

Treating the Physical Impact of Addiction: From Damage to Healing

Recovery is an option, and it starts with comprehending what the impact of addiction on physical health means. Here are some steps toward healing:

Accept That There Is A Problem

The first step towards healing is acknowledging that there is a problem. 

You need to know that being addicted doesn’t translate into being weak-willed or having character flaws; it is a disease that requires treatment.

Get Help from Professionals

Detox is the initial step taken to treat physical health conditions caused by addiction. This should be done under medical supervision.

Rehab and Therapy

After detox, rehab programs and therapy would assist in understanding an individual’s addiction and provide skills for relapse prevention.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and sleeping enough hours are vital to facilitating recovery and healing your body.

Counteract Addiction’s Effects on Physical Health with Thrive Group Treatment Centers

Remember, it is never too late to mitigate the effects of drug addiction on your physical health. 

If you or anyone you know is fighting against this vice, it is high time you contact our drug detox center in Los Angeles.

We offer signature programs like outpatients, PHPs, IOPs, and sober living. We will show you how to heal, recover from addiction, and get back to a healthy lifestyle!