Substance abuse and addiction harm your body which leads to severe health problems. The state of your complexion and skin is a sign of rooted problems associated with substance abuse. Long-term substance abuse can cause inflammation, infections, sores, and sometimes rotten skin. These damages are normally associated with several factors such as; unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet can lead to skin damage, the substance itself, impurities that contaminate drugs sold on the streets, and how the drug is consumed (intravenous use). Substance damage affects an individual’s professional and personal life as most people associate shame with their new appearance and negatively impacts self-esteem.
Various body parts affected by substance abuse that changes your looks
Hair; certain drug abuse can alter the physical and chemical structure of the hair shaft, hence damaging hair. Often, a decrease in hair growth and loss is associated with a symptom of substance abuse – stress.
Skin; Increased acne formation in individuals dealing with substance abuse is due to increased feeling of touching and scratching the face. Moreover, some substances increase sweat production by the body, and since these sweats contain toxins, it causes acne and bacterial growth if left to sit on the body.
Teeth; dental health problems associated with substance abuse stem from psychological and medical factors. Every drug abuse has a different impact on dental health. Stimulants such as cocaine cause mouth sores, changes in smell and taste, and severe tooth decay. In addition, alcohol affects gum and tooth health, while acidic beverages such as wine can cause dental erosion. Lastly, opiate abuse reduces saliva production and, thus, taste impairment.
Effects of different drug abuse on skin
Alcohol; the major effect caused by alcohol abuse is liver cirrhosis caused by scar tissues building up in the liver. These diseases can cause a visible effect on the skin, and the most common is spider angioma, where red lacy patches appear on the face, hands, and neck. Jaundice, an alcohol-associated disease, causes a yellow discoloration of mucus membranes and the skin.
Marijuana; abuse of this substance causes various signs of premature aging such as loss of hair, dark circles under the eyes, and graying hair. However, cannabis has some benefits to the skin. Cannabidiol compound found in cannabis prevents acne by limiting the formation of blackheads and reducing the skin’s oiliness.
Heroin, the most common effect of heroin abuse the, applies to individuals who inject it rather than smoke. Continuous skin penetration by the needles in search of the vein causes scarring of the veins and can lead to major problems such as skin infections and cellulitis. This substance also reduces the moisture content in the epidermis, causing itchy and dry skin.
Cocaine; the dermatological diseases caused by this substance abuse include Buerger’s diseases which inflames blood vessels within the skin, chronic skin ulcers, blackening of the palms, and death of the skin cells.
Meth; chronic users of this drug suffer from skin sores which are often associated with skin picking. Most meth addicts experience a sensation of bugs crawling on or under their skin, and as a result, they repeatedly scratch and pick their skin. Users who inject meth expose themselves to a greater risk of skin infection.
Contact our Dallas treatment center for more information on the effects of drug abuse on looks.
Substance abuse impacts your appearance in major ways. Hair loss, tooth decay, and skin changes are some of the impacts. However, recovery does improve such side effects on your looks. Such impacts from substance abuse might cause stigma. Feel free to contact Skyward Treatment Center in Dallas for psychological and medical support services to help you in each step of your recovery.
