One of the most obvious consequences of using drugs is the negative effects they have on the body. These symptoms can be both physical and psychological, and their severity will depend in part on the amount consumed. On the other hand, the more regularly use occurs, the greater the risk that psychological disorders will develop in the long term. In this article, we will look at what disorders of this kind a person who regularly uses psychotropic substances may suffer. These are drug-induced disorders, each more dangerous than the last.
The origin of psychological disorders
As we said, regular drug use ends up affecting the user’s activity and performance. It alters their behaviour, perception and sociability, as well as causing psychological, social, emotional or work-related deterioration and changes. In the end, its effects touch most of the important aspects of an addict’s life. One of the clearest pieces of evidence related to the use of psychotropic substances is its relationship with two factors: intoxication and withdrawal. Drug-induced disorders can occur depending on both situations:
- Intoxication is the result of abusive use over a short period of time. It causes psychological changes and maladaptive behaviours due to the drug’s effect on the central nervous system.
- Withdrawal is the syndrome caused by the reduction or cessation of prolonged use or use in large quantities.
Both aspects, in addition to causing significant clinical problems, encourage the onset of psychological disorders, which we will look at below.
What types of disorders do drugs cause?
There are several mental disorders induced by the use of toxic substances. Some of the most important are:
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Dementia
Cognitive impairment is the main consequence of dementia. This means that the person’s memory, language, motor activity or ability to carry out various tasks is affected. In addition, they will also have difficulty learning new information or remembering what they had previously learned. They will also fail to recognise objects when planning or organising, etc. This set of problems represents a significant reduction in the addict’s level of activity compared to before the disorder. This will affect their daily life in different areas such as social life, work, etc. Alcohol, inhalants, sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics are some of the substances that cause dementia.
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Psychotic disorders
These types of disorders can appear both during intoxication and during withdrawal. The effects produced are hallucinations or delusional ideas, with the presence of a pattern of catatonic behaviour and disorganised use of language. These symptoms can also cause social and occupational impairment. Their onset occurs during intoxication or withdrawal, or in the following month. The substances that induce this disorder are alcohol, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics.
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Anxiety disorders
The characteristic of these types of disorders is that they differ depending on the degree of anxiety, distress, obsessions and compulsions, or phobias. The symptoms are those characteristic of the specific disorder (palpitations, tremors, fear, excessive worry, recurrent thoughts, irritability, etc.). Anxiety disorders are caused by substances such as alcohol, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics.
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Delusions
They cause an alteration of consciousness and perception, as well as changes in cognitive functions (memory, orientation, language, etc.). These symptoms usually occur over a short period of time, such as hours or days. Alcohol, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics are substances that commonly produce delusions.
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Mood disorders
The most common effects that appear with these disorders are depressive and/or manic symptoms (elevated, euphoric or irritable mood). These symptoms cause clinically significant distress and considerable impairment in important areas of the person’s functioning. Substances associated with mood disorders are alcohol, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics.
Treatment is available
Several factors influence the degree of disorder that a person addicted to drugs may suffer. Habits linked to use or the amount taken in a single episode, as well as genetic predispositions and each person’s autobiographical history, leave a mark on the brain and affect psychological disorders to a greater or lesser extent.
CCAdicciones is an addiction treatment centre where we have the best professionals to help you if you are addicted to any drug or have any other addiction. Get in touch with us if you think you need help to regain control of your life.
