Can Drugs Cause Seizures
Many people are misinformed regarding all of the damage drugs can cause. They may be aware of some specifics, but the totality may escape them. For example, many people may not know the answer to the question, “Can drugs cause seizures?” The answer is a definite “yes!” These seizures can also be caused by many different kinds of drugs, such as opioids and methamphetamines. The good news is there are many effective addiction recovery methods, and modalities that can help someone you love recover from a drug-induced seizure, or prevent them all together.
How Prevalent is Addiction?
Many people don’t realize just how prevalent addiction is in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
Many people are also under the misconception as to what addiction is. It is not some type of moral failing or choice; rather, it is a disease. It is a chronic disease that shares commonalities with other ailments such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Addiction is also a “family disease.” This means that addiction affects many more people than just the individual who is struggling. As is often said, addiction is like a tornado that destroys everyone and everything in its path. This includes the physical well-being of the individual.
Can Drugs Cause Seizures?
Drug-induced seizures are more common than many people may think. According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, “Seizures are a common toxic complication of numerous drugs and poisons, as well as drug withdrawal syndromes. Studies have estimated that 6% of new‐onset seizures and up to 9% of status epilepticus cases are due to drug toxicity. Several case series have identified a variety of drugs and other substances associated with seizures [including] antidepressants, diphenhydramine, stimulants (including cocaine and methamphetamine), tramadol, and isoniazid…”
Drug-induced seizures can also be responsible for an individual not getting the addiction help that they need. This may be because an individual fears that they will have a seizure due to withdrawal. Thus, they don’t attempt to get sober at all.
Physical Effects of Drug Use
The simple answer to the question, “Can drugs cause physical problems?” is ”yes.” The following are just a few of the physical problems that can be caused by addiction:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Issues with one’s liver and kidneys
- Brain damage
- Trouble with respiratory functioning
- Damaged motor skills
- Issues with sleep cycles
- Physical damage from falls and car accidents
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Sexual and libido issues
- Self-harm
This is why seeking professional help as soon as a problem arises is so critical. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How Drugs Affect Mental Health?
Drugs can also cause many serious mental, emotional, and spiritual problems. The following are just a few of those problems:
- Trouble discerning reality from fantasy
- Cognitive issues
- Memory loss
- Wet brain (specifically with alcohol use disorder)
- Creating false memories
- Causing excessive mood swings
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Having suicidal ideations
- Experiencing problems at work or school
- Losing one’s faith in a Higher Power
Many people also ask, “Can drugs cause emotional problems?” The answer is a definitive “yes.” These emotional problems can lead to serious issues of trauma and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Many people don’t realize just how prevalent trauma actually is. According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE [traumatic event] in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged.”
Healing With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in healing at the cellular level. This is why we follow our maxim known as the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Yes, drugs can cause some serious damage, but as long as one is willing and able to accept professional support, there is always a chance for recovery. The key is to reach out and ask for help.
Yes, there is a solution. There is hope. We can help.
Drugs can lead to serious seizures, and those seizures could even lead to death. It is important to understand the dangers of drug-induced seizures as well as how one can recover from a state of addiction that causes them. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from drug-induced seizures. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
