It is well known that drugs have a significant impact on our physical and mental health in the short term. Depending on the substance, even short-term drug abuse can have long-term effects on your physical and mental health as well.
That’s why it is crucial for someone who is suffering from drug or alcohol abuse at any stage to seek help as soon as possible. In the following piece, our experts from Options Family will break down the effects of substance abuse on a person’s mental health and what can be done to protect it.
How Do Drugs Affect Your Mental Health?
It doesn’t take a medical professional to begin to witness the slightest changes to a person’s mental health. Here are just some of the short-term effects you could witness:
- Mood changes: Many drugs can alter your mood, causing you to feel euphoric, anxious, or depressed.
- Impaired judgment: Drugs can impair your judgment, making it difficult to make sound decisions.
- Memory issues: Some drugs can cause temporary memory loss, confusion, or impaired cognitive function.
- Psychosis: Certain drugs, such as hallucinogens, can cause psychotic symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations. While these can be temporary and connected to the effects of a drug, psychosis can linger and cause longer-term damage to the brain.
Long-term effects of drug use on mental health can include:
- Addiction: Continued drug use can lead to addiction, which can cause significant changes in brain function and behavior.
- Anxiety and depression: Some drugs can cause or worsen anxiety and depression.
- Cognitive impairment: Long-term drug use can cause long-lasting cognitive impairments, including long term,memory loss, difficulty with learning and problem-solving, and challenges completing basic daily tasks.
- Psychosis: Yes, psychosis can be present in the long-term as well. This also means there is an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with drugs and mental health is different, and the effects of drug use can vary widely depending on individual factors. These factors include age, genetic makeup, and overall health. If you’re concerned about the impact of drugs on your mental health, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional.
What Can Be Done To Protect And Preserve Your Mental Health During Recovery?
Recovery from drug abuse can be a challenging and complex process, and taking care of one’s mental health is essential for successful recovery. Here are some ways to protect and preserve a person’s mental health during recovery for drug abuse:
- Seek professional help: A mental health professional can provide support and guidance throughout the rehabilitation and recovery process. They can help to address any underlying mental health issues and develop coping skills you can use during sobriety.
- Engage in self-care: Engaging in healthy activities, such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies, can help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
- Build a support network: Surrounding oneself with supportive and understanding individuals, such as friends and family members, can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide a source of emotional support.
- Attend support groups: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can provide a sense of community and offer support from others who have gone through similar experiences.
- Practice healthy communication: Effective communication with loved ones and healthcare professionals can help to reduce misunderstandings and promote a sense of trust and respect.
- Take prescribed medications as directed: Some individuals in recovery may require medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and maintain sobriety. It’s important to take medications as directed by a healthcare professional.
If you or a loved one is suffering from substance abuse and need professional help, look no further than Options Family & Behavioral Services. Our care team provides a niche treatment plan that caters to you or your loved ones’ specific needs as your recovery. Contact us to learn more.
