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A substance abuse disorder can have a devastating effect on your life, but it also takes a toll on your brain and your body. However, with treatment, you can reclaim your life and heal your mind and body over time.
How Addiction Affects the Brain
Substances change the way signals are sent and received in the brain, creating abnormal messaging through the network within your brain. Various areas of the brain are impacted by this altered messaging.
The basal ganglia are the brain’s pleasure center, sometimes called the reward circuit. This is where the pleasure that you feel during rewarding activities is activated. Substances over activate this area, creating feelings of euphoria, which is the high that you get from the substance. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to this artificial stimulation, making it difficult to feel pleasure without the substance.
The extended amygdala is a part of the brain that is involved in feelings of stress and anxiety and is activated when the abused substance wears off. This is where withdrawal symptoms come from. Over time, people use substances to medicate these negative effects.
The prefrontal cortex is where the ability to think, make decisions, and control impulses come from. Substances affect this area, leading to poor impulse control and compulsive substance seeking.
How Addiction Affects the Body
Substance abuse can have serious effects on the body, depending on the substance used.
Cardiovascular
Substance abuse can affect the cardiovascular system, leading to a range of conditions, including arrhythmias, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and even sudden cardiac death.
Respiratory System
Respiratory effects include shortness of breath, lung infections, asthma, and respiratory depression, which is generally the cause of overdose deaths.
Reproduction System
Some research indicates that substance abuse can cause fertility issues and sexual dysfunction.
Kidneys
Some substances can impair renal function, which can lead to kidney damage.
Dental
The effects of substance abuse can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Digestive System
In the short term, substance abuse can lead to nausea and vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Longer-term effects include damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines, liver damage, and pancreatitis.
The Brain in Recovery
The good news is that in recovery, the brain can heal. The human brain has what is called neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to form new neural connections and essentially reorganize itself. In other words, it can fix the altered connections caused by substance abuse and return to normal. However, this takes time.
In the first few weeks of abstinence, withdrawal symptoms occur because the brain is accustomed to the substance. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, and severe cravings for the substance.
In the first three months of abstinence, mood and cognitive functioning start to improve, but the brain is still trying to reorganize itself.
After 3 months, the brain continues to heal, but it can take a year or even several years for it to fully recover.
How quickly the brain recovers depends on the nature and length of the addiction, age, and other health factors.
The Body in Recovery
Much of the physical damage caused by substance abuse can heal over time.
The impacts on the cardiovascular system can sometimes heal, or at a minimum, stop getting worse. However, severe effects can be permanent.
Many respiratory effects can also be reversed, particularly asthma. Risks of respiratory depression also are reduced or eliminated.
The gastrointestinal lining damage that comes from substance use, particularly alcohol, can heal, and even some liver damage can reverse itself, although severe liver damage is often permanent.
In general, with abstinence, most people will experience better health overall and will notice gradual improvements over time.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Long Term Healing
More good news—you can make changes in your life both to maintain sobriety and heal your mind and body.
- Support
Having support during recovery is critical to maintaining sobriety. Family and friends are part of this, but counseling or support groups, such as 12-step programs, are often key to long-term recovery.
- Exercise
Exercise is extremely important in healing the body physically, but it also can help in maintaining sobriety. During physical activity, endorphins are released that improve mood and relieve stress, which is often a trigger for relapse.
- Healthy Diet
During addiction, nutrient absorption is impacted, so during recovery, it’s important to replenish the nutrients that your body needs. Lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats will provide those nutrients. You should also avoid sugar and processed foods.
- Routine
Maintaining a healthy routine every day can help you avoid temptation. This should include self-care, such as exercise, counseling, or support group meetings. It also can be beneficial to find a hobby that you enjoy.
- Stress Management
Stress, as mentioned, can be a trigger for relapse. Try to avoid stressful situations, and places or people that can cause stress. Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are also good strategies to keep your stress and emotions under control.
In Closing
While substance abuse is damaging in many ways, healing is possible. If you are struggling with addiction, reach out to a healthcare provider like NEMG. We can provide resources for both treating your addiction and for long-term healing of your body and mind. Recovery is within reach, and you can move on to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.