THE EFFECTS OF ADDICTION ON THE BODY

ALCOHOL
Alcohol may appear to be a pleasure but, taken in excess is a curse. The price of over-indulgence is a hangover the next morning. But that is only the start. Our bodies are sophisticated mechanisms, and pain is the body’s way of warning us that something is not right and that we should look to see it right. So the hangover symptoms - headache, thirst, dizziness and nausea - occur because the body’s systems have been disturbed. The body can deal with the occasional hangover and recover from it. Heavy drinking over a long period of time is another matter, causing long-term damage.

For a start the liver is overburdened with alcohol as it tries to convert the alcohol into energy. An impaired liver function can bring an imbalance to the body generally; a large proportion of heavy drinkers go on to develop cirrhosis, which deforms the liver due to massive scarring and dead liver tissue, which can be fatal. Alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (a disease which causes yellowness of the skin) due to liver failure are also consequences of heavy drinking. The brain is affected by heavy drinking since brain cells are literally destroyed by alcohol. Impaired brain function leads to depression, anxiety, lapse of memory - not mention the more serious brain disorders of dementia, epilepsy and hallucinations. The pancreas may become inflamed and this lowers blood sugar levels so that the heavy drinker feels tired and drained. Disturbance in the metabolic processes (the chemical processes in the body) leads to malnutrition, as damage to the digestive tract interferes with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. As alcoholics consume more alcohol than food, there are deficiencies in some essential nutrients, in particular the B vitamins. Cell regeneration is affected, as is the immune system.

Alcoholics are much more prone to heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms because the strength and contraction of the heart muscle is affected by alcohol. Circulation is damaged, showing itself by numbness or tingling in the fingers. Impaired blood circulation increases the risk of a stroke (a sudden attack that causes unconsciousness and is often followed by paralysis or loss of feeling in the body).

Even very modest amounts of alcohol can affect the reproductive system. As the male hormone testosterone is eliminated faster and less is produced, the male drinker often experiences a lessened libido (sexual drive) and potency, and sperm production is lowered. Female heavy drinkers may suffer irregular periods and breasts shrinkage and are more prone to develop cancer. A woman’s smaller liver means smaller absorption of alcohol. While pregnant alcohol passes through the umbilical cord directly to the foetus. The baby may be impaired mentally and physically.

Coming off alcohol is not easy since we are constantly surrounded by its easy availability and its role in our social lives. Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups give support and he advice of the GP is essential.

Only a minority of heavy drinkers need and benefit from drugs but they should be honest with their GP as to how much they drink as drug interaction can affect the dose and type of drug given. The function of the liver may be seriously impaired in heavy drinkers and the action of some drugs is greatly prolonged. Anticoagulants (e.g.Warfarin) can have an exaggerated effect and cause severe haemorrhage. Inflammation of the stomach is a common occurrence in alcoholics and this could lead to bleeding and ulcers when combined with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen. There are many other interactions as well.

Extra vitamins are essential for anyone who has had an alcohol problem for more than a few months. Many people who drink heavily tend to neglect their diet and are at special risk of deficiency of B vitamins. Vitamin B deficiency can manifest itself as damage to the brain with symptoms of confusion that can mimic dementia and other illnesses. When a person withdraws from a heavy alcoholic intake, vitamins are usually given for a week or more by daily injection into the buttock muscle. Treatment is then continued with tablets for several months. In fact recent studies have suggested that anyone who drinks heavily should have a vitamin supplement to prevent damage to the nervous system, whether or not they are withdrawing.

Alcohol can affect every system in the body, including the brain but especially the liver, pancreas and bowel. Heart disease and diabetes are more common in alcohol abusers, as are duodenal ulcers (ulcers in part of the small intestine) and bleeding veins in the oesophagus, called oesophageal varices. There are many instances, therefore, where admission to hospital may be needed or the advice of a consultant specialist sought. This can be a turning point for some when the person finally realises that their life may be in danger.

Unfortunately mental illness is also more common, especially depression, and the suicide rate in alcoholics is sadly high. Quite often the person will not realise that they are ill and it maybe extremely difficult to persuade a friend or relative that they need help and medication. There is sometimes no alternative other than admission to a psychiatric unit.

Many problem drinkers may have failed to give up on previous occasions because they are using alcohol as a prop to stave off anxiety. Indeed for some, this may be the root of the problem. So earning relaxation techniques can be very useful specially in the early stages, and the skill will last a lifetime if practised regularly.

Massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, colour therapy, and herbal and homeopathic remedies can all play a part in treating the addict physically, emotionally and mentally.

BRAIN
Depresses the central nervous system. Impairs brian function as brain cells destroyed by alcohol.
SKIN
Facial flushing.
HEART & CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Prolongued drinking can cause coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke.
STOMACH
Heavy drinking causes gastritis and ulcers. Disturbs the metabolic process. Damage to digestive tract.
KIDNEYS & LIVER
Can cause damage to the liver. Kiddney failure. Hepatitis.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Lessens sexual drive. Causes irregular periods.

TRANQUILLISERS
During the 1970s a group of drugs which relieved anxiety and helped sleep became available on prescription. Millions of prescriptions were issued for treatment of agoraphobia and panic attacks but they were also given for prolonged periods for example after the death of a loved one. They replaced other drugs such as barbiturates, which were known to be highly addictive and dangerous in overdose. It was only years later that it became obvious to patients and doctors that these seemingly harmless drugs were actually addictive. Examples of these tranquillisers are Vallium, Librium and Ativan, once household words now better known by their generic names such as diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam etc., Public awareness has increased greatly in the last twenty years and although most people are very aware of the dangers of these tablets there are still many people, particularly in their middle years, who experience great difficulty in withdrawing from them. GPs now prescribe them far less and only under supervision. They have a part to play as an interim measure for someone who is extremely anxious or distressed or who cannot sleep, until the root cause of the problem can be uncovered and addressed. Massage at this point is an invaluable relief of these symptoms. These tablets should not be confused with antidepressants e.g. amitryptilline and prothiaden which may be prescribed for depression or to help with chronic pain. These work in a completely different way in the body and are thought to have virtually no addictive potential.

For severe agitation or mental illness another group of drugs exists known as major tranquillisers, such as chlorpromazine and Melleril. They should always be taken as prescribed and will generally be given by the course, possibly under the supervision of a specialist.

Withdrawal symptoms can be varied. Some are usual such as aching in the jaw; more typical are shakiness, irritability, poor sleep and depression. Massage is a harmless relief of these symptoms, which will pass with time and should be considered part of the healing process. Stopping suddenly is ideal but not always advisable. Anyone who is taking 5mgs of diazepam per day or equivalent can stop safely and expect very little in the way of symptoms. Higher doses than this should be slower process. It may seem a strange idea to swap one drug for another but it seems to help. Most people are better off changing their benzodiazepine to diazepam. This is because it is a long acting drug and therefore less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms as the dose reduces. The doctor will usually decide the equivalent dose. Occasionally beta-blockers are used to help with the symptoms of anxiety and palpitations e.g. proranolol and atenolol.(Possible contra indications to massage!) These are given as a course over a number of weeks. They slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure without causing drowsiness. Some people benefit from antidepressants if depressive symptoms are persistent and severe. A course usually lasts a minimum of six weeks and is then tailed off slowly. They can be given at the same time as benzodiazepines.

A withdrawal plan should be made together with the doctor. The plan should state in detail how much and how often the dose is to reduce so that there is an endpoint which is drug free. Having a goal helps as does a reward such as a holiday at the end of it. As a rule reduction should be at the rate of approx. 1/8th of the total daily dose of the drug every 2 to 4 weeks. It can be speeded up to double this in some people who are highly motivated, but should not otherwise be any faster. An important part of the plan will include how they will get necessary outside support and treatment for the problem or phobia that led them there in the first place. In addition to the massage therapy and holistic treatments there may be support groups in the area as well as counselling or psychotherapy.

Having made the decision to come off tranquillisers it is inevitable that many aspects of lifestyle will need to change. General health is especially important and it’s a good time to have a general check-up. Drinking, eating and exercise habits will be discussed and exercise may start again once the doctor has confirmed them fit. Nutrition and useful herbs such as nature’s Prozac St John’s Wort (Hypericum) are listed in the appendix as well as suitable oils for the most efficacious aromatherapy/massage. Other alternative therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology and colour therapy are listed - with detailed effects and benefits. Shiatsu and Reiki may also be helpful.

HEROIN AND OTHER HARD DRUGS
The misuse of hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine is on the increase. GPs vary considerably as to how they are prepared to help. It depends somewhat on the nature of the drug misuse, whether the patient is willing to agree to a withdrawal regime and whether there are any associated medical problems. The picture is complicated sometimes by the tendency of drug abusers to be unreliable about completing courses of prescribed drugs and relapse. Then the GP may need the help of a specialist. The main task of the family is to encourage the person to seek help. The GP can minimise harm done by drugs with medical intervention such as treating infections and support the person with the help of drug substitutes. Many addicts suffer from other illnesses and infections such as hepatitis and AIDS.

TRANQUILLISERS & HARD DRUGS
BRAIN
All drugs affect the central nervous system. Some cause hallucinations. Most cause loss of concern for outside events. Long-term heroin use impairs endorphin production. Cocaine may cause brain damage. Tranquillisers dampen awareness and blur sensitivity.
HEART
Heroin slows down heart rate. Cocaine overdose may cause cardiac arrest.
STOMACH
Sudden withdrawal of heroin may produce abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.

GLUE SNIFFING
A special problem among adolescents and pre-teenagers is glue-sniffing or solvent abuse. It is a great worry to parents as it can prove fatal in a few cases and may also cause liver damage. But most users do not have lasting effects and simply grow out if it. The few habitual abusers may develop temporary personality changes, irritability, mood swings, plus drowsiness, a tendency to a runny nose and a strong smell of solvent on their clothes. The euphoric effect lasts up to 3 or 4 hours. The family and young person need support as it is often poor family relationships which underlie glue sniffing or any drug taking. It may be possible to reach agreement to stop without seeking specialised help such as a psychiatrist.

SMOKING
Excuses will abound for not wanting to give up smoking - being unable to cope, putting on weight, becoming bad tempered, the habit has been going on so long there’s no point in giving up for health reasons. Surprisingly health is not the most persuasive reason for stopping unless a serious medical condition is diagnosed. This is amazing considering the link discovered 40 years ago between lung cancer and smoking, not to mention chronic bronchitis and heart disease. The argument that giving up smoking will not improve health after a lifetime habit does not apply since the risk of lung cancer does diminish for ex-smokers even if they have smoked for many years. The motivation is more often social: the unpleasant smell on clothes and breath or the high cost. Nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco, is very much a drug of addiction - withdrawal can cause a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia and irritability. Many people complain that their cough gets worse, because of the excess mucus produced by the air passages is not so easily got rid off without the irritant effect of smoke. Once the person stops smoking the amount of mucus decreases and the cough will eventually disappear, provided that there is no chronic bronchitis or emphysema (grossly enlarged air sacs in the lungs) which permanently cause a lot of phlegm (mucus). A general feeling of ill health may also follow while the body repairs itself and clears out toxic substances. Swedish massage is particularly good for draining the tissues and improving circulation, usually poor in smoker. The symptoms should disappear in a few weeks but may persist for up to a year. Support is essential, and acupuncture and aromatherapy are especially useful in reducing the craving and re-educating the senses. A nicotine substitute may be useful, such as gum or patches. Caution should be exercised if you have an illness, such as heart disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. The substitutes may cause side-effects such as dizziness, nausea, insomnia, palpitations and indigestion but most people tolerate the minor unpleasant effects for the long-term benefit of giving up.

BRAIN
Contradictory effects - first stimulates then sedates.
SKIN
Wrinkles and ageing.
HEART & LUNGS
Contributes to coronary heart disease. Damages arteries. Lung cancer. Bronchitis.
STOMACH
Kills appetite.

MARIJUANA
The use of this drug is increasing. Although it is not regarded as a drug of dependence, habitual use causes at least a psychological dependence if not the physical symptoms of other drugs. Psychological problems may take some time to resolve. The person has been away from reality for so long that they have not had the time to come to terms with their personal problems. The heavy use of marijuana over the years is thought to increase the likelihood of mental illness. Again counselling is the most important aspect of withdrawal and there are no specific drugs to assist. Driving under the influence of marijuana is particularly dangerous.
It has been shown to help sufferers of degenerative diseases such as MS.

CAFFEINE
BRAIN
Small amounts stimulate. Large amounts cause anxiety, irritability and insomnia.
HEART
Excess caffeine over-stimulates heart muscles, resulting in palpitations. Increased heart rate in people with hypertension.
STOMACH
Small amounts may help digestion but excess can cause abdominal pain and nausea and digestion problems.

Thanks to Headway Healthwise - A Self Help Guide to Quitting Dependency by H Walji & Dr a Kingston

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ADDICTION & Special Dietary Requirements
Complementary Therapy/Herbs/Massage for the Relief of Addiction
Drugs, Nutrients, Exercise & Relaxation used in the Treatment of Addictions - Classes of Drugs
RARER OILS
THALASSOTHERAPY