How Does Drug Addiction Affect the Circulatory System?
Drug addiction affects many areas of your life, including nearly every system in your body, such as your heart and blood vessels. No matter what sort of substance you use, from cocaine to meth or opioids, the circulatory system will feel the strain. Over time, drug use can lead to dangerous outcomes and irreversible damage. In this blog, we will look at how addiction affects the circulatory system and what that means for long-term health.
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Your Circulatory System
Your circulatory system helps transport blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. At the center of this system is your heart, which helps to pump blood through your arteries and veins. It’s a complex, incredible system, but it can be thrown off by many imbalances, including substances that stress the heart. When everything is working properly, this system helps regulate body temperature, maintain a stable internal environment, and ensure that every cell receives the necessary nutrients to thrive.
Stimulants and Your Heart
Stimulants are often abused in such a way that affects the heart negatively. Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and ecstasy can create a surge of energy that overstimulates the body, including the heart. Over time, these drugs will raise your blood pressure and heart rate to sometimes dangerous levels that can cause damage. Long-term drug use will increase the risk that you may have a heart attack, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac arrest. In this case, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness even once you are sober.
Opioids and Circulatory Slowdown
Opioids actually slow the body down. Drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to drop too low. In fact, if you overdose, your heart may stop altogether, which is why everyone should carry Naloxone. Chronic use over time can lead to your veins collapsing, which makes it hard for blood to flow around the body, causing tissue death, infection, or blood clots that can become deadly.
Increased Risk of Infections
Most drug use can increase the risk of infections, especially when injected. This can also cause damage to the circulatory system and increase the risk of diseases like endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, and can be deadly. Bacteria may also enter through needles and settle in the heart. Both of these can cause irreversible damage.
What Recovery Can Do for Your Heart
Recovery doesn’t have to mean living with long-term effects of damage to your body. In fact, in many circumstances, your body will begin to heal once you are sober. Blood pressure levels may improve, circulation may improve, and the risk of heart-related emergencies may decrease. When you remove substances from the equation, your body can find a way to heal in many circumstances.
Begin Healing at Myrtle Beach Recovery
If you are struggling with drug addiction, don’t struggle alone. At Myrtle Beach Recovery, we offer a structured 12-step approach in a serene setting that promotes healing of the body and mind. Whether you’re just starting or rebuilding your life in sobriety, we’re here to help you take the next step. Reach out today to learn more about our recovery programs, like our short-term rehab, and how we can support you.
