Substance use disorders affect multiple systems in the body:
Alcohol
- Central nervous system depressant.
- Slows brain function, impairs coordination and reaction time.
- Causes liver stress (fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis with chronic use).
- Can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and pancreatitis.
- Cardiovascular effects: elevated blood pressure, arrhythmias with heavy use.
- Disrupts sleep patterns and hormone balance.
- Chronic use may cause malnutrition due to impaired nutrient absorption
Opioid
- Bind to opioid receptors, reducing pain perception.
- Slows respiratory rate; risk of fatal respiratory depression.
- Causes constipation and digestive issues.
- Can suppress immune function over time.
- Pupillary constriction (pinpoint pupils) is common.
- Chronic use may lead to hormonal imbalances (reduced testosterone, fertility issues).
- Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms affect multiple systems (sweating, nausea, muscle aches).
Stimulant
- Increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
- Heighten alertness, energy, and sympathetic nervous system activity.
- Can cause vasoconstriction, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Reduce appetite, leading to potential weight loss and malnutrition.
- Chronic use may damage cardiovascular system and neurons.
- Sleep disruption and chronic fatigue after repeated use.
Benzodiazepine
- Central nervous system depressants; enhance GABA activity.
- Cause sedation, muscle relaxation, and slowed breathing.
- Can impair memory, coordination, and reaction time.
- Long-term use may lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms (seizures in severe cases).
- Potential liver enzyme strain with chronic use.
- May worsen respiratory conditions if combined with other depressants.
Cannabis
- Active ingredient THC affects cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
- Mild increase in heart rate; blood pressure changes.
- Can affect lung function if smoked (chronic bronchitis, coughing).
- Impairs short-term memory, motor coordination, and reaction time.
- Alters appetite and gastrointestinal function (“munchies” effect).
- Chronic heavy use may affect hormone levels and reproductive health.
Nicotine
- Stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline.
- Highly addictive due to dopaminergic system activation.
- Damages lungs and cardiovascular system (especially with smoking).
- Can impair wound healing and increase risk of cancers (lung, mouth, esophagus).
- Chronic use leads to respiratory diseases and systemic inflammation.
Sugar
- Causes spikes in blood glucose and insulin.
- May contribute to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Alters lipid profile, increasing triglycerides and cardiovascular risk.
- Can affect liver function when excessive (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
- Contributes to dental decay and obesity.
- Chronic overconsumption may dysregulate reward pathways in the brain, similar to addictive substances.
Hallucinogen
- Primarily affect serotonin receptors.
- Typically low toxicity for organs, but can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- May cause pupil dilation, nausea, and tremors.
- Alter perception, coordination, and sensory processing.
- MDMA specifically can cause dehydration, hyperthermia, and electrolyte imbalance.
- Rarely, prolonged or excessive use may impact memory or cognitive function.
Continue learning about how physical training supports recovery:
• Exercise for Addiction Recovery
• Dopamine Regulation and Exercise
• Common Challenges in Early Recovery Training