Besides the apparent mental and physical health issues that accompany drug abuse, malnutrition is a substantial health issue in recovery. Drug addiction has the power to reprioritize an addict's primary needs and suppress hunger. The cause of malnutrition may be a direct result of the drug or even commonly the addict is incapable prioritizing food over their drug addiction. Drug abuse and malnutrition risks tend to lead to a bad complexion, digestive complications, infections, and organ damage. Different types of drug abuse can onset malnutrition.
Specific Drug Impacts on Malnutrition
Opiates: Most prescription painkillers, oxycodone, morphine, and heroine damage the gastrointestinal system, the digestive system.
- Constipation
- Suppressed hunger
Abruptly discontinuing opiates starts the cycle of withdrawals, which cause malnutrition due to:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
Opiate withdrawals can cause the body to flush vital nutrients out of the body like potassium and sodium. Having a balanced diet and plenty of fluids during the detox stage of opiate withdrawal is highly recommended.
Stimulants such as: Crystal Meth, Crack, and Cocaine can easily onset malnutrition. Historically meth was medicinally used to treat obesity as well as other psychological disorders. The characteristics of a stimulant high can cause severe dehydration and malnutrition. Symptoms of these "uppers" are:
- Weight loss
- Hyperactive
- Dry mouth
- Excelled heart Rate
- Hypertensionv
- Hyperthermia
- Diaphoresis- Excessive sweating
- Diarrhea
Marijuana: The chemical THC is what actually produces the high, can increase appetite. An increased appetite can cause obesity and malnutrition through a poor diet.
