Drug Addiction – Its Side Effects on the Brain

Drug addiction is a severe problem in the USA. According to Addiction Center, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of these people opt for addiction treatment. 

Addiction is a disease that takes a toll on the user’s brain. No matter how harmful they become, a person with an addiction can always find reasons to go back to using drugs. Contrary to popular belief, drug addiction is not only heroin, cocaine, or other illicit substances. 

You can get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, and anti-anxiety medication. 

Drug History of South Florida 

In 2013, South Florida faced a “heroin epidemic,” particularly in Miami Dade country, which led to a 300 percent increase in heroin usage. While cocaine-related deaths declined by 9 percent state-wise, they increased 8 percent in Miami Daide alone. This led to an increase in addiction treatment in South Florida, where patients were administered for complete recovery. Renowned for its exceptional Intensive outpatient program in South Florida, The Sands Treatment Center has helped an overwhelming number of patients through its Outpatient rehab facility in South Florida. 

Effects of Drug Abuse on Brain 

The brain is the most perplexed organ of the body. Its proper functioning ensures our very survival as we adapt to different environments. 

However, drug abuse can cause a delay in the brain’s functionality and affect the abuser in numerous ways, which leads to the need for addiction treatment in South Florida. 

Here are 3 effects of drugs on the brain and how drug treatment centers in South Florida can help in recovery

• Addiction Alters Brain’s Natural Balance 

Drug abuse interferes with the brain’s biological process and disrupts its natural balance called homeostasis. All biological systems try to stay normal and balanced, and the brain oversees this function. 

Drug consumption disturbs this process by introducing unnatural chemicals, forcing the brain to secrete dopamine and other hormones. Outpatient programs in South Florida make sure these abusive substances are removed from the brain through drug detox and helpful medication that eases quitting drug abuse. 

• Addiction Changes the Brains Chemistry

Drug abuse attacks the brain’s limbic system, often referred to as the reward system. The limbic system governs pleasure which we drive from eating, socializing, and sex. 

It also controls the emotional response system, which helps distinguish between positive and negative emotions.  When drugs enter our system, they induce euphoria, which releases dopamine and other hormones. 

This forceful secretion of pleasure hormones affects the brain’s limbic system, becoming entirely dependent on drugs to induce pleasure. 

The outpatient program offered by The Sands Treatment Center in Florida focuses on removing drug dependency so the patient can recover from abuse. Moreover, the intensive outpatient program at The Sands Treatment Center makes it easier for the patient to withstand the overwhelming side effects of rehabilitation through tested and approved medication. 

• Addiction Delays the Brain’s Response Time 

The cerebral cortex is responsible for processing and interpreting information with the help of our five senses. 

For instance, if you touch a hot plate, the cerebral cortex will quickly signal your brain to pull away from your hand. However, drugs such as cocaine and heroin can cause severe damage to the cerebral cortex and affect the brain’s response time. 

Not only reflex action but simple processing of information becomes challenging for addicts, ultimately affecting their professional life. 

Contact Us Today

Drug addiction is a severe problem worldwide, yet the United States ranks at 4th position on the list of countries with severe drug problems. Despite the increasing number of drug problems in the USA, only 10% receive addiction treatment. 

This is because most drug abusers never realize their addiction has become a problem until it’s too late. When this happens, an addiction treatment center in South Florida offers two distinguished programs. 

1. Outpatient Rehab South Florida 
2. Inpatient Treatment South Florida 

Depending on the condition of the person with an addiction, the right addiction treatment method is recommended. However, addicts also have the liberty to choose their addiction recovery program. 

Regardless of the overwhelming number of facilitations offered by drug treatment centers in South Florida, many addicts are still reluctant to accept help. 

In either case, The Sands Treatment Center is here to help you or your loved one on their road to sobriety. To learn more about how we can help you and which addiction treatment plan is best, visit our website!