How Do Drugs Affect the Brain?

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There’s a general acknowledgement that constant drug use will impact the user’s brain, but not many people understand the exact effect that it can have on a person. No matter how the drug is consumed, it can negatively alter the brain causing short and long-term effects that can be permanent. As the brain plays a significant role in our body’s operation, a person with a drug addiction will be affected physically and mentally. 

Drug Use and its Effects

The human brain is a complex communicative system composed of billions of neurons that work together to direct your body on how to feel and think and what to do. It’s involved in everything from our breathing to our emotions. 

When a person begins to heavily use drugs, one of the most affected areas is the brain. 

Drugs can interfere with our brain’s neurons and disrupt their regular operation of sending, receiving, and processing signals.

Long-term drug use can permanently alter a brain’s chemistry, and a person’s thoughts and feelings can be affected as a result. Someone who is suffering from drug addiction will see physical and mental changes such as: 

  • Motor function decline
  • Increased anxiety and depressed thoughts
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Loss of motivation
  • Decreased respiratory function
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Constant feelings of distress and sadness 

Drugs, Your Brain, and Dependency 

Under normal circumstances, the brain releases endorphins while running or exercising. This is the natural way to release these pleasant chemicals and encourage healthy behavior.

Part of why drugs can be so addicting is the euphoric effect they produce. Users often feel good when using a substance because their brain releases endorphins in response to this effect.

As drug use can trigger the release of endorphins, many become addicted to these substances and the high they produce. They chase after this pleasant feeling and become dependent on drugs to help them obtain it once more. 

Drug addiction is an illness that requires serious attention. The effects that continued drug use can have on a person’s brain can be significant. At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we offer help for those in need of drug addiction treatment. People whose lives have been affected by substance abuse require immense support and guidance, all of which are provided at our five drug addiction treatment centers throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers help those recovering from addiction by providing individualized outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug addiction treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.