Know How Drug Use Affects Your Brain & Body

 

Studies show that 1 in 7 Americans may experience a substance use disorder. Some may turn to drugs to cope with stress, trauma, or to help with mental health issues. Others may develop use disorder after misusing medication prescribed by their doctors. Either way, taking drugs over a period of time increases the chances of becoming addicted.

Drugs don’t solve problems - alcohol and drugs might make someone forget about their problems temporarily, but that only lasts until the drug wears off. Drinking and using drugs causes more problems on top of whatever problems a person had in the first place. Once dependent, it’s very hard to stop taking drugs.

Chemicals in drugs change how the brain operates – the human brain is the most complex organ in the body – it controls basic body functions and shapes thoughts, emotions, and behavior. When people take drugs, chemicals flood the reward system in the brain. This causes the user to repeat behaviors that may feel good in the moment. But this is unhealthy and may put users at risk of greater harm.

Brain alteration - once the brain adapts to continued drug use by developing a tolerance, it begins to require more and more of a drug to feel the same result. Not only does this decrease the brain’s ability to resist temptation, it can also affect the amount of pleasure a person receives from normal activities like enjoying food, experiences, or relationships.

Take care of your brain and your brain will take good care of you - kids can help other kids by choosing not to try or use drugs. It’s a good way for friends to stick together. Understanding drugs and why they are harmful is another good step. Learning what substance use can do to your brain and your body can help you make healthier decisions. Knowledge saves lives!