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When we talk about addictive substances, we always refer to drugs and think of their great adverse effects on our body. However, a normal diet is also surrounded by addictive substances that can harm your body almost unnoticed. We refer to substances as common as alcohol and sugar.

“Socially accepted drugs”

They do not have such a rapid and destructive effect on our body, but these “socially accepted” and addictive substances do have side effects.

Considering “drug” substances such as cocaine and heroin, both these and those described in this article have addictive powers, but the former is much more powerful. Unlike the previous ones, small amounts of substances such as sugar, caffeine and theobromine do not harm our body. But we need to know the possible long-term effects of its consumption on our bodies.

All these addictive substances not only have a pleasant effect after ingestion, but also help to stimulate the central nervous system and block the behavioral depression common to all drugs. The problem is that in this case these substances are usually included in our diet, so we probably see them in a different way.

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Alcohol, caffeine, theobromine, sugar, sodium, and fats are commonly consumed and are never considered a drug, but have addictive powers and similar properties to addictive substances prohibited by law.

Effects on the body

The development of addiction is the main negative impact on the body. They encourage us to consume more and more and always bring us a common result, excess calories.

Both alcohol, sugar and fat are sources of calories, which makes it clear that their continued intake can cause excess weight and body fat. On the other hand, if you are addicted to theobromine, you can almost always opt for chocolate, which contains sugar, fat and, of course, a lot of calories.

Sodium poisoning or excess sodium can also cause increased caloric intake. Of course, caffeine isn’t just what we usually sweeten or flavor with other foods, it’s also found in sodas, energy drinks, and more. Poor quality calorie bombs as they do not provide vitamins, minerals or antioxidants and are derived primarily from sugar and fat.

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Therefore, these addictive substances are widely contained in a variety of commonly consumed foods that can cause poisoning over time, leading to excess calories, metabolic disorders, and illnesses of all kinds.

Since current caffeine overdose does not cause adverse effects other than GI symptoms and hypersensitivity, these addictive substances carry consequences over time, leading to ongoing abuse and long-term effects. The same goes for sugar, sodium, and all the other “socially acceptable drugs.”

Today, these addictive substances that harm your body are the most common causes of disease: cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, tumors, and other health problems. The key is to consume more foods that are not processed and super-processed products. The addictive substances of natural products are absent or have a different quality than those of industrial origin that could alter the health of your body.

In general, toxic substances such as drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.), alcohol, food (mainly sugar and flour), tobacco, etc. are psychoactive substances that act by mimicking the function of neurotransmitters. The brain that transmits information from one neuron to another, causing a response in the reward, satisfaction, or joy center of the brain. That is why there are people who make us feel good and overcome difficult moments.

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The problem is that continued use of these substances replaces our original reward abilities and creates a sense of well-being.

At that time, it is necessary to consume the substance in question to avoid suffering anxiety, tremors, sweating, dizziness, delusion, vomiting, sleep disorders and other symptoms that make up the withdrawal syndrome.

The withdrawal syndrome depends on the substance consumed, the moment in which it is consumed and the individual’s body.

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alcohol

In moderate drinkers, withdrawal symptoms begin 12 to 24 hours after stopping drinking and can cause symptoms such as tremors, weakness, cold, headache, dehydration, and nausea.

In addition to the above, another more serious symptom called paralysis appears in drinkers within 2-10 days. Initially it causes anxiety, disorientation, nightmares, excessive sweating and deep depression, although fever, rapid heartbeat, seizures and delusions can also appear.

nicotine

Tobacco withdrawal syndrome becomes stronger the longer a person smokes. The most common symptoms are the uncontrollable desire to smoke again, tension, headache, irritability, sleepiness or insomnia, and increased appetite and weight.

CANNABIS

Marijuana is one of the most consumed drugs in the world, especially among adolescents and young people. Its effects include changes in sensory perception (brighter colors can be perceived), changes in perception of time, changes in mood, poor memory and delusions, and delusions, especially when ingested in large amounts.

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Quitting marijuana can lead to symptoms such as hypersensitivity, anxiety, drowsiness, and loss of appetite, which can lead to an uncontrollable desire to use marijuana again.

drugs

Morphine, hashish, heroin, codeine or oxycodon belong to this group and are some of the substances that act by suppressing the nervous system. A small amount can cause euphoria, but high levels can slow brain activity and cause dizziness and malaise.

The first withdrawal symptoms are vigorous breathing, watery eyes, runny nose, and sweating. Then comes hyperactivity, hypervigilance, rapid heartbeat, chicken skin, and fever. Eye dilation and tremor, cold, muscle pain, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur.

anti anxiety medication

Barbituric acid or benzodiazepines are part of this group of prescription substances that can control anxiety or allow you to sleep, although high doses can cause severe poisoning…

Withdrawal causes a severe and life-threatening reaction, similar to an alcohol shake. Its main symptoms are weakness, malaise, depression, tremors, dehydration, delusions, delusions and insomnia.

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amphetamine

Amphetamine is used as a medically controlled weight loss drug, but the other is not controlled as a substance that helps you stay awake longer than usual for work, study, or recreation. .. Methamphetamine, MDMA or ecstasy have also been included in the same group and have become widely known as illegal substances.

When its use is stopped it causes extreme fatigue and drowsiness, but some people are very anxious. The feeling of depression can increase to the point where a suicidal tendency appears.

cocaine

Cocaine is another very powerful nervous system stimulant. Resistance to the drug develops rapidly, increasing addiction and dosage.

Withdrawal symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, suicidal thoughts, and delusions.

When to ask for help

Even if a person who regularly uses drugs decides to stop using drugs, that is not enough. Addiction is a disease with physical symptoms and, like any other disease, it may require the intervention of a doctor to prescribe the prescribed treatment to cure it.

Withdrawal Syndrome Treatment

The treatment that each patient receives depends on their particular case, but it usually consists of three pillars.

1. Medical perspective. The use of medications helps to alleviate the physical effects of withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, vomiting, fever, or insomnia. In some cases, the withdrawal syndrome can lead to severe depression and even suicidal tendencies, which may require the patient to be hospitalized.

    

2. Psychological perspective. To avoid recurrence, you not only manage your physical symptoms, but also have a therapeutic task that helps you understand why the patient started using it, the emotions associated with the drug in question, and situations in which the patient may return to it. use it.

    

3. Social and family perspectives. There are two sides to this perspective. On the one hand, achieving family support and the patient’s environment in the face of the disease, since addiction is a great shame. On the other hand, avoid environments where the consumption of prohibited substances is endorsed or justified. This is especially important for socially accepted drugs like alcohol and tobacco.