It shouldn’t come as a surprise that drugs can have an effect on your brain chemistry, both in the moment you use them and down the road. The degree to which these substances affect you and your mental health varies depending on a few things; the substance, the dosages, the frequency of consumption, and your own genetic makeup. Many people assume that alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana have little to no impact on your long-term mental health due to their popularity and use in the media, but this is not the case.
Below is a list of a few different substances and their respective drug effects on the mind.
Cannabis
Regular consumption of marijuana has been shown to increase your likelihood of developing anxiety and paranoia. There is also a correlation between cannabis consumption and developing psychosis and schizophrenia later in life.
Stimulants
Most people take stimulants to wake themselves up. Coffee is a popular stimulant that many people use worldwide. Though coffee is possibly the mildest form of stimulant, regular drinkers do report higher levels of anxiety than the average person. When taken to the next level, stimulants like cocaine can worsen anxiety, depression, paranoia, and in some cases trigger psychosis or schizophrenia.
Hallucinogens
LSD, magic mushrooms and DMT are all popular forms of hallucinogens. These drugs are known for their ability to make the user lose touch with reality. These drugs can cause flashbacks, thought loops, and hallucinations that can cause a deal of distress. Taking these drugs regularly can disturb the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain, making it harder for you to feel happy or excited.
Opioids
Opioids are highly addictive and can permanently disturb your brain chemistry. On top of limiting your ability to release endorphins, chronic use of opioids can damage the frontal lobe and lead to memory problems as well.
Depressants
Depressants slow down the function of the central nervous system. This causes people to feel relaxed and less inhibited, but in higher quantities can lead to unconsciousness or even death. Alcohol is by far the most popular depressant, and it is not uncommon for regular drinkers to find themselves forming a dependency on the substance.
Deal With Your Addiction at American Treatment Network in Havertown, PA
One of the biggest mental health issues that stem from substance abuse of any kind is an addiction, which affects all areas of your life. The battle against addiction is not easy, but you do not have to deal with it alone. Here at American Treatment Network, we work hard to provide support to those battling alcoholism and opioid dependency. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, visit one of our drug treatment centers in Havertown PA, Dover, DE, or Newark, DE. Call to get help today.
