Does your head or shoulder hurt? Take Ibuprofen.

Does your stomach hurt? Take Pepto Bismol.

Is your skin breaking out? Take vitamin gummies.

Different forms of medication, from Ibuprofen to vitamin gummies, have become extremely prevalent in society, and it has become almost a norm to turn to medicine to solve our problems. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, there is an, often ignored but very serious, side effect: addiction. Substance use disorder, more commonly known as addiction, is very complex, but at its core, it can be defined as a condition in which there is “uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.” It is important to note that there is a significant difference between addiction and misuse. Although misuse typically occurs when there is incorrect or excessive use of mind-altering substances, addiction happens over a long period of time when one cannot moderate their intake of a certain substance. 

The many behavioral side effects that come from addiction are quite well-known, from relationship difficulties to profound changes in appearance. However, the psychological and physiological effects of addiction can change how the brain works and how we see the world. Here are some ways that addiction can change the brain:

1. Rewiring the Brain

The brain is composed of neurons, which are cells that send, receive, and process signals. These signals are relayed through chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Certain drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate and change the way neurons work, and how neurotransmitters send and receive signals. This may cause abnormal messages to be sent or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals. 

2. Health Consequences Associated with Addiction

Beyond the neuropsychological effects of addiction, there are a variety of health problems that can be caused by addiction. These side effects and health problems vary between individuals and also depend on what substance is being used, but some of the most common health problems include:

• Lung and heart diseases: this is especially prevalent in those who smoke, as the smoke can harm the lungs, and thus, the heart.

• Stroke: Because alcohol and various drugs can increase your blood pressure and stop your body’s ability to form blood clots, this puts the body at an increased risk of stroke.

• Cancer: it has been shown that different types of substances can put people at an increased risk to develop cancer. 

• Mental health conditions: beyond just being psychological, addiction is a disease and, thus, can have debilitating side effects on mental health.

• Reduced immune function: substance abuse may decrease the body’s ability to fight against infections and viruses.

“Brain and Heart Metabolism Drugs” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction#/media/File:Brain_metabolism_and_drug_addiction.jpg, Accessed June 2021

3. Psychological Trauma and Effects

As stated previously, substance abuse typically results in changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in the body, such as dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine, to name a few. The changes in the presence of these chemicals results in various psychological effects. The most common of these include:

• Anxiety: addicts often experience anxiety when they are trying to hide their habits from other people. It’s also often difficult to find out whether anxious people are likely to abuse substances or if these substances cause anxiety. Some common symptoms of anxiety include excessive worrying, rapid heart rate, restlessness, and mood swings.

• Shame and Guilt: addiction has a negative stigma in society, which results in feelings of shame and guilt in addicts. Unfortunately, these feelings make it exponentially more difficult for addicts to get the help that they need, which only worsens the addiction.

• Depression: similar to anxiety, it can be uncertain whether depression or substance abuse comes first, but these two disorders are often connected in many individuals. Depression is commonly seen among those going through withdrawal, and therapy is often required for those fighting depression. Some common symptoms of depression include lack of motivation, sleep disturbances, irritability, and weight gain or loss. 

Considering all the changes that people with addiction face, it is important to note that addiction is a disease and should be treated as such. It’s often not something that is easy to control and it certainly is not easy to stop either. By watching out for those around us, not passing judgement, and being cognisant of how the prevalence of medication in the world propagates addiction, we can take a step towards helping those with addiction and raising awareness of this very serious disease.

Resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Hotline: 

• Free, confidential, open 24/7

• 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Drug Helpline:

• Open 24/7 and will provide resources to those struggling

• 1-844-289-0879

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:

• Allows for text and call, open 24/7

• 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)