Drugs are defined as “a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body… drugs are chemicals that alter, block, or mimic chemical reactions in the brain.” Each type of drug has distinct characteristics and exacts a different toll on the body. Regardless of the substance, after drug use, the human body typically undergoes the following:
- A comedown: is caused by the effects of a drug wearing off. This includes mental, physical, and emotional symptoms associated with the drug. The symptoms produced by the comedown of a drug tend to vary based on the kind of drug that was taken, the dosage, individual sensitivities to the drug, and the user’s history of drug use. Common symptoms of the comedown phase for most drugs include the following examples:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Aches and pains
- Drug cravings
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory changes
- Cardiovascular changes
Young people struggling with the comedown phase often take another dose of the same drug or another drug to avoid its effects.
- A crash: is an intense feeling of exhaustion that occurs after drug use and is most prevalent in stimulants such as cocaine, meth, and even high doses of caffeine. Symptoms of a drug crash may include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Restlessness
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Intense cravings
- Mood swings
- Exhaustion
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Increased appetite
During this phase a teenager is likely to experience debilitating fatigue as the body recovers from the effects of the drug.
- A rebound effect: Verywell Mind explains that “A rebound effect is what happens when the body tries to bring itself back into balance (a condition known as homeostasis) after a drug has been taken.” It triggers a teen to develop symptoms that are the opposite of the effects caused by a drug.
It is important to understand that these are separate drug after-effects, and although each cause different symptoms, as is indicated above they all play a significant role in the development of addiction.
For Information and Support
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times. Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769
