Substance abuse has long been understood to carry with it lasting effects on the body and the mind, but recent revelations that drug and alcohol is tied to early-life strokes, has many of us concerned and confused.
The decisions that some make early in life could stay with them long term with the side effects of drugs. Learn the risks and how to reverse this dangerous trend before it’s too late.
Potential Risks of Substance Abuse More Serious Than You May Think
A recent study of over a thousand US patients has brought to light a connection between strokes in early life periods, and drug use/heavy drinking. Strokes are generally thought to be most prominent amongst the elderly, but University of Cincinnati researchers are looking further into the long-term changes that take place in the blood, arteries and heart as a result of substance abuse.
Upon uncovering this link, the study’s lead researcher, Brett Kissela, even went so far as to state that stroke patients under the age of 55 should be “routinely screened and counseled regarding substance abuse.”
Scientists are also looking more closely into the possibility of the stroke-aggravating qualities of particular substances, and whether some drugs pose more of a vascular risk than others.
Overall Health Greatly Affected by Drugs
Presently, it is felt by some that stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines could have the potential to trigger an immediate stroke. This is a field that neurologist Andrew Josephson of UC at San Francisco, is looking into. Even in the presence of vascular risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure, strokes generally do not manifest until later life.
The factor of substance abuse appears to add unprecedented risk to the picture of overall health. In fact, many doctors and nurses now look to this theory when running across a young stroke victim shows up in the hospital—it is more likely that drugs or alcohol are involved in the cases of patients under 50 than any of the other possible risk factors.
Sadly, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that close to 800,000 Americans suffer from strokes each year. With drug and alcohol abuse tied to early-life strokes, it is hoped that healthcare providers can use measures of early detection of substance abuse to prevent tragic strokes from occurring.
Drugs and Alcohol—An Issue of Public Health and Safety
For those who consistently abuse drugs (prescriptions, synthetic substances and general street drugs) and alcohol, the risk of stroke and other health issues is prevalent. But what of the individuals who consume risky drugs with no apparent health consequences?
Even the individuals with no outward physical signs of wear and tear on the body are doing serious damage to themselves. Marijuana is known to produce gastrointestinal issues as well as dependency and a loss of motivation. Painkillers and stimulant prescription pills are also known to cause depression, anxiety, addiction, high blood pressure, interruptions in sleeping patterns and rapid weight loss/change in appetite.
Help your friends and family to understand these risks. “Recreational” drug use is not a topic to be dealt with lightly, when one’s life could be very easily on the line. Make sure drug prevention is done on a regular basis. If you know someone who is using get them help.
For more information call 800-468-6933.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/11/30/drug-alcohol-abuse-tied-to-early-life-strokes/