Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

How can you get help for a loved one who is struggling with addiction?

A Denver native and lifelong Colorado resident, Megan embarked on her academic journey at the University of Northern Colorado. There, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees before pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. During her academic years, she dedicated herself to assisting refugees fleeing war and violence in their home countries. Beyond her clinical practice at AspenRidge, Courtney finds solace in outdoor activities, sports, reading, and cherishing quality time with her family and beloved dog. Some drugs are neurotoxins that may damage or destroy nerve cells either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system.

That means you need to take an increasingly higher dose of opioids to feel the same effects you once did with a lower dose. She typically works with people interested in taking a holistic approach to treating their addictions. This will include healthy eating, movement, meditation, mindfulness and spirituality. Outside of work, she’s a devotee of Krishna, and her friends call her Karunya Shakti, which means compassionate energy.

Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. It is no secret that drug addiction is a significant problem in the United States. What may be less well-known, however, is the fact that drug addiction can have long-term effects on a person’s health. In this blog post, we will explore what is considered long-term drug use and some of its potential consequences.

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Education about the risks of drug use can also be beneficial in preventing long term drug use. People struggling with addiction usually deny they have a problem and hesitate to seek treatment. An intervention presents a loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse and can motivate someone to seek or accept help. Substituted cathinones can be eaten, snorted, inhaled or injected and are highly addictive. These drugs can cause severe intoxication, which results in dangerous health effects or even death. Substituted cathinones, also called «bath salts,» are mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine.

The long-term effects of casual drug use

Outside of her professional endeavors, Megan finds joy in the company of her partner and pets. She relishes spending time with friends, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and exploring the great outdoors during milder weather. This is a public Site and all posts on this Site can be seen by anyone and may be shared freely with others. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines and hypnotics are prescription central nervous system depressants. They’re often used and misused in search for a sense of relaxation or a desire to «switch off» or forget stress-related thoughts or feelings. She believes that all research should be accessible and digestible, and her passion fuels her desire to share important scientific findings to improve rehabilitation.

• Despite manufacturer claims, these are chemical compounds rather than «natural» or harmless products.
• It’s especially important to have naloxone (Narcan) on hand if you or a loved one takes opioids from a nonpharmaceutical source.
• She has a passion for working with clients to help them develop a more profound sense of identity to navigate depressive and anxious symptoms.
• Physical dependence occurs when an individual’s body becomes used to the presence of a drug, and requires higher doses of the drug to produce the same effect.
• She believes in healing the whole person in a safe and supportive environment.

Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction. Whether you have just lost a loved one, or you are going through a difficult time in your life, it can be difficult to cope. Anyone considering using drugs should be aware of the potential consequences before making that decision. Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced from opium or made synthetically. This class of drugs includes, among others, heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl and oxycodone.

What’s considered long-term opioid usage?

However, the drug can also cause feelings of anxiety, irritability and depression. It increases the heart rate, narrows blood vessels, increases blood pressure and can cause erratic heart rhythms, which means users are at risk of having a heart attack every time they use cocaine. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to continuously monitor for these potential risks and implement appropriate strategies to mitigate them.

• Additionally, Courtney obtained certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and is certified in Branspotting, a clinical treatment technique aiding individuals in processing trauma.
• If you do start using the drug, it’s likely you’ll lose control over its use again — even if you’ve had treatment and you haven’t used the drug for some time.
• Addiction treatment begins long before day one of the program and extends years beyond the last day at rehab.
• It is recognized as a brain disease because drugs change the physical and chemical structure of the brain and affect normal functions.
• It is important to seek help and resources if you or someone you know is dealing with long term drug use.

There is an overwhelming number of long-term physical and emotional effects that drug abuse and addiction can have on a person. The length of time a person spends in rehab can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. One of these factors includes the specific programs offered at a given facility, which can impact the length of someone’s stay. Another factor may include someone’s payment method, insurance plan, or healthcare benefits, which can dictate how long someone may be able to pay for treatment. Drug and alcohol treatment is an important part of addiction recovery, but there is no one-size-fits-all program for substance use treatment. Instead, there are several different types of treatment programs—each varying in setting, duration, and intensity—to fit an individual’s specific needs.

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She furthered her education by completing a master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. Additionally, Courtney obtained certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and is certified in Branspotting, a clinical treatment technique aiding individuals in processing trauma. If you or someone you love is battling an ongoing addiction, recovery options that address more than just substance abuse may be needed.

Why is Nonsexual Behavior Good for Sober People?

She holds a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. Additionally, she has a master’s in holistic wellness and is trained in EMDR therapy for both in-person and virtual settings. Kathleen has more than https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ 15 years of experience treating people who have a substance use disorder. Hailing from Boulder County, Courtney embarked on her academic journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Because acetaminophen and ibuprofen are in a variety of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, it is important to check the active ingredients’ list to prevent an accidental overdose. Tolerance – when your body gets used to a medication and will need a higher dose to have the same impact as before because the normal dosage will start to have a reduced effect. This can happen with opioids, prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications and muscle relaxers. Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger.

There isn’t any conclusive data that would suggest when short-term issues stop and long-term issues begin. The disease of addiction is progressive, and long-term drug effects cause significant damage throughout the body. Others may begin their addiction with prescription medications such as opioids for pain sober house management and fall into a cycle of misuse due to the addictive nature of painkillers. Be aware that the OTC proton pump inhibitors should only be used as directed for 14 days for the treatment of frequent heartburn. Illegal (illicit) drugs effects – Using illegal drugs is prohibited for Service members.