Health and Wellness - Drugs

Substance use disorders can structural, chemical changes in the brain.

Substance use disorders (SUD) develop when drug exposure causes changes in the brain. SUD is a brain disorder. SUD involves functional changes in the way the brain works. Specifically, those involved in reward, stress and self-control. These changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs1. These changes cause the pleasurable feelings associated with being under the influence. This is why people with a substance use disorder feel compelled to use more, even if it causes them harm. 

Substance use disorders happen at different levels for different people. You can't predict how substance use will cause damage in the brain. There is no known "safe" threshold where damage can't occur. 

A drug's effect varies from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including:

• How much and how often you use. 
• Type of drug you use. 
• Your age and gender. Learn about opioid use in women.
• Your health status and mental health status. 
• Your family support system. 
• Your family history. 

Substance use can increase the risk of other health conditions.

Drug use and drug-related behaviors can impact your health. Substance use can increase the risk of²:

• Lung or heart disease.
• Strokes.
• Cancer.
• Mental health conditions. 
• Risk of contracting infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C.

There is hope and support for anyone with a substance use disorder. One study found that three out of four people who experience addiction will recover³. We can help you get started toward recovery.

Substance use disorders are treatable.

A substance use disorder (SUD) is not a moral failing, choice or character flaw. It is a brain disorder, and it's treatable. Research-base methods of treatment help people stop using drugs. No matter how severe the problem may seem, people with SUD can and do achieve and maintain recovery. That is good news!

It's important to know that recovery is unique to each individual. There is no one "right" way. There may be ups and downs and relapses. Recovery is a process of learning how to work against the impact of substance use. Recovery allows regaining control of individual's lives⁴.

Questions about your or someone else's substance use? Your Life Iowa can listen and connect you with support. Call us 24/7 at (855) 581-8111. 

Learn More about the Science of Addiction

Questions about your or someone else's substance use? Your Life Iowa can listen and connect you with support. Contact YLI 24/7. 

Call:(855) 581-8111      Text:(855) 895-8398      Live Chat

Citations

Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. July 2020.

Prevalence and correlates of ever having a substance use problem and substance use recovery status among adults in the United States. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, September 1, 2020.

The Science of Addiction | Treatment and Recovery

Reducing Harms Related to Substance Use

We all take steps every day to reduce the risk of harmful outcomes of our behaviors. We put on sunscreen to avoid sun burn. We wear seatbelts to protect us in case of a crash. We wash our hands to avoid spreading germs. We can do the same to reduce substance use related harms, including:

• Fatal or not-fatal overdose or drug poisoning. 
• Infectious disease transmission (e.g. HIV and hepatitis C)
• Substance use disorders. 
• Memory and learning problems. 
• Physical health issues like heart disease, strokes, cancer, etc.
• Motor vehicle crashes.

There are many ways to reduce the risk of substance use-related harm. Tips for helping reduce harm² include:

• Engage people who use or used substances (people with lived or living experience). This includes planning and implementing of programs, services, and policies. 
• Provide services and resources that meet people where they are at, on their own terms.
• Know substance use is a complex behavior. Social determinants of health (e.g., housing, healthcare access, etc.) impact substance use. 
• Focus on quality of life and well-being versus "abstinence-only."
• Provide services and resources with compassion and respect. 
• Provide services and resources that are holistic and pragmatic. 

The rate of opioid usage in Iowa continues to increase annually. Knowing the signs of an opioid overdose and how to use naloxone can help save lives. Learn what to do in case of an opioid overdose.

Examples of strategies to reduce substance use-related harm:

• Connections with overdose prevention education, screening, and counseling, including referral to treatment
• Distribution of opioid overdose reversal medications (e.g. naloxone). This includes individuals at risk of overdose and their family and/or friends. Learn about how you can purchase naloxone without a prescription. 
• Distribution or referrals to disease and infection supplies and education. 
• Education and reduction of stigma associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders. 
• Education about Iowa's Good Samaritan Law. It encourages those who witness a drug overdose to stay and call 911 without the fear of being arrested, charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance. 

Everyone benefits from services and resources to stay alive, health and well. If you would like to find treatment or other resources, YLI can help. Our facility locator can help you find services in your area. If you'd like help, call us at (855) 581-8111. 

Learn More About Reducing Substance Related Harm

Misuse of prescription drugs is risky.

Taking prescriptions other from how prescribed can be life-threatening or even fatal. It can also lead to addiction. Examples of misuse include:

• Taking more than directed. 
• Taking pills prescribed to someone else. 

Prescriptions that are often misused include opioids, depressants and stimulants³.

There is help available for prescription misuse. Options often include therapy and medication. These methods can help you manage cravings and create new patterns of behavior.

Taking someone else's pills is a prescription for trouble. Unless you're taking a drug your healthcare provider prescribed just for you, you won't know if it's safe for your body. Learn more about the risks of prescription drug misuse.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can cause harm if misused.

All drugs, even over-the-counter medications, have the potential to be harmful. OTC drugs are available to the public without a doctor's prescription. It is important to use OTC drugs as directed as there can be risks for not following the directions. Some over-the-counter drugs can cause serious problems or even death. 

The safest way to take OTC medication is as directed. Only use OTC's to treat the symptoms listed on the bottle.

Fake pills can cause real harm. 

Ordering prescription drugs on the internet could put your health and life at risk. Fake pills look almost the same as real prescriptions. These fake pills may also have the wrong ingredients. They may contain too much of a substance or have other harmful ingredients. You might not even know the pill is fake until it's too late. 

To prevent harm related to fake pills:

• Make sure to take only drugs prescribed to you by a licensed medical professional. 
• Make sure a licensed pharmacy dispenses the medication. 
• Education yourself and others on overdose prevention strategies. 
• Check that your online pharmacy has a license through the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. 

Learn More About Fake Pills

Anabolic steroids can be addictive, even though they do not get the user "high" like other drugs.

Misusing steroids can lead to physical and psychological problems. These include:

• Breast growth in men.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Aggressiveness. 

Moderate-to-high doses can lead to mood disorders such as mania and major depression. About 32-percent of people who misuse anabolic steroids become dependent⁴. 

It is possible to overdose on cannabis.

An overdose happens when a person uses too much of a substance. It reaches toxic levels in the body. Sometimes, an overdose can cause death or other medical problems. While a fatal overdose caused by cannabis (marijuana) is unlikely, it is not harmless⁵.

Effects of using too much cannabis:

• Extreme confusion. 
• Anxiety.
• Paranoia.
• Panic.
• A fast heart rate.
• Delusions or hallucinations. 
• Increased blood pressure.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.

Substance use and driving.

Drugged driving is dangerous, just like driving after drinking alcohol. The effects of specific drugs on driving skills differ based on how they act in the brain. Marijuana can slow reaction time, impair judgement and decrease coordination. Cocaine or methamphetamine can cause aggressive or reckless driving. Some prescription pills can cause drowsiness, dizziness and impaired judgement. 

To lower your risk, have a designated driver or get a ride to and from parties where there will be drugs and alcohol. Talk about the risks of driving under the influence of drugs with family and friends. 

Citations

1. Drug Overdose Death Rates. National Insititute on Drug Abuse. June 30, 2023.
2. Harm Reduction. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. April 24, 2023.
3. Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report: How can prescription drug addiction be treated? National Institute on Drug Abuse. June 2020.
4. Anabolic Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs). National Institute on Drug Abuse. May 2023.
5. CDC | Marijuana and Public Health.

Brain injury and substance use can be related. 

Brain injuries can lead to problems around the use of illicit substances. Screening for brain injury is a best practice. Especially for patients in any healthcare, community, and corrections-based setting. Brain injury screening tools assess a person's exposure to brain injury. Learn more with the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa.

Learn More About Brain Injury

 Why do some people develop a substance use disorder (SUD)?

No single factor determines who will develop a SUD. Usually, it's a combination of factors. In general, the more risk factors a person has, the greater change of a SUD. SUD risk factors include:

• Your genetics and family history. 
• Your age and gender. 
• Friends that use. 
• Early use. 

The specific substances used, frequency and how they were taken.

There's no "safe" amount of illicit drug use. Overdose or SUD can even occur with the first use.

 Can you develop a substance use disorder even though you only do it once in a while?

No one wakes up in the morning and says, "I want to have a substance use disorder." Substance use disorders develop over time. It is a process - not an event. 

Most people who start using drugs intend to only use it once or every so often. But drugs affect the brain. Even with occasional use, there are changes that happen that can lead to addiction. The "occasional" use of drugs can often translate to more frequent use and then to constant use. No one knows when the "chemical switch" will go off in your brain or who will develop a substance use disorder. 

Learn More About Substances and the Brain

 How can I help someone who is using substances?

It can be scary or stressful when someone you care about is using drugs. The good news is that substance use disorders are treatable. Recovery is possible. Research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one. 

There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for helping others. When talking to a loved one about their drug use, it's important to express concern. It's important to find a safe time and place to have the conversation. Be direct, acknowledge their feelings and listen. Offer to help them and be patient. Remember to also focus on your own wellbeing. 

Your Life Iowa can help you get ready to start this conversation. We can also connect you to local resources that can help. Call, text, or chat with us 24/7. It's free and confidential. 

Learn More About How to Help     Help for Family and Friends

 What is recovery?

Recovery varies based on a person's situations and needs, and it looks different for everyone. 

Recovery is more than sobriety and abstinence. Recovery is about coming to recognize things you've been through and all that you've overcome. Recovery centers on individual's needs. 

The path to recovery may look different for each person. Pathways to recovery include activities that promote health and well-being, such as:

• Going to peer support meetings. 
• Seeking treatment. 
• Connecting with community resources. 
• Developing and maintaining an ongoing network of support. 

Recovery often looks different over time. Circumstances change as recovery progresses. Having allies and a community of support helps in sustaining long term recovery. Wherever you are in your recovery journey, YLI is here to help. 

Learn More About Recovery

Citation

1. Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. March 14, 2023.

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The language we use matters.

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are chronic but treatable medical conditions. One of the main ways stigma continues to happen is by the language we use. Our words and actions impact the health of those using substances. The words we use portray substance use in a shameful or negative way. It can cause individuals not to seek help. It can worsen a person's mental and emotional state. It's important to remember that SUD is a health condition. SUD often requires treatment and support. Don't judge people with a SUD. Instead, encourage them to access treatment and other supports. Let them know recovery is possible¹. 

Everyone plays a role in reducing stigma against people with substance use disorders. You can¹:

• Learn more about substance use disorders.
• Learn how a substance use disorder is a chronic, treatable medical condition. 
• Learn that people with a substance use disorder deserve compassion and respect.

Replace language that grows stigma with person-first language. For example, use "a person with a substance use disorder" instead terms like "junkie" or "user." See the Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Stigma guide for more.

Learn More About Stigma and Substance Use

Citation

1. Stigma and Discrimination. National Institute on Drug Abuse, June 2022.