Human brains are incredibly complex and powerful organs. They control everything we do, from our thoughts and emotions to our physical movements and reflexes. As such, it can be difficult to imagine what could potentially cause damage to our gray matter and impair its essential functioning. One of the culprits is drug abuse.
Drug abuse is defined as any use of illegal drugs; as well as the misuse of either prescription or over-the-counter medication. There are many different types of drugs, each with their own unique effects on the brain. Long-term drug abuse results in permanent changes to your brain chemistry and can damage vital areas of the organ.
The effects of drug abuse on the brain are wide-ranging and can vary depending on the type of drug used and the frequency of its use. Many drugs produce their effects by altering levels of neurotransmitters — chemical messengers that transfer signals between neurons in the brain. When drugs are abused and taken in large quantities over an extended period of time, they can desensitize certain neurotransmitter receptors, altering the way the neurons communicate with one another. This disruption to the brain’s regular communication patterns can lead to significant problems in thinking, planning, impulse control, learning, and memory.
Certain drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can cause physical damage to the brain. These substances are toxic when taken in large amounts, providing direct toxicity to neurons while also depriving essential oxygenated blood from the brain. This lack of oxygen, known as ischemia, can cause brain cells to die, resulting in problems such as motor control deficits, impaired speech and memory loss.
Long-term alcohol abuse can also cause significant brain damage. Chronic alcohol abuse impairs the way the brain metabolizes nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vital vitamins and minerals. This deficiency can restrict the growth of new brain cells and even shrink existing neurons, resulting in poor memory and impaired motor control.
The most heavily abused drug of our time, however, is marijuana. What many casual users don’t realize is that marijuana use can cause damage to vital areas of the brain. Just like all other drugs, marijuana activates reward pathways that can lead to compulsive use. In addition, chronic marijuana use has been linked to problems with decision making, memory, and concentration.
Ultimately, any type of drug abuse is dangerous and can damage the delicate organization of the human brain. The effects of drug abuse can be severe and vary depending on the drug type and quantity used. If you suspect yourself or someone else to be abusing drugs, seek help from a qualified medical or mental health professional as soon as possible.