How Drug Overdose Affects the Brain Long-term

Opioid and heroin use has steadily increased each year in America, leading many health officials to declare it as a public health epidemic.  With this rise in use, we have also seen an increase in drug overdoses.  For the first time, drug overdoses now cause more fatalities than motor vehicle accidents.  Drug overdoses wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy individual and possibly one of the most dangerous side effects is injury to the brain.  Nearly a quarter of all brain injury patients who enter rehabilitation are a result of Toxic Brain Injury.  

What is Toxic Brain Injury?  

Toxic Brain Injury is a result of a non-fatal drug overdose in which limited or no oxygen is supplied to the brain for a prolonged period of time.  There are two types of toxic brain injury; anoxic and hypoxic.  Anoxic injury is when there is no oxygen going to the brain and hypoxic is when there is simply not enough oxygen sent to the brain.  The severity of the brain injury is determined by how long the brain is without oxygen.  The frontal lobe, which is responsible for movement, language, and cognitive functioning, is especially vulnerable to damage from an overdose.  Damage to the frontal lobe can cause issues with emotional control, problem-solving, and the ability to focus.  

Common Symptoms of Brain Damage from Overdose

With any drug use, there is potential for damage to the brain due to the way these drugs bind to neurotransmitters in the brain.  The hippocampus in the brain is also damaged during an overdose, adding to the memory issues that often result from an overdose.    Symptoms of brain damage include:

• Troubles with solving problems
• Mood swings and irritability
• Neck or back pain
• Headaches
• Issues with memory
• Difficulty with movement, balance, or coordination
• Impairment in hearing or vision
• Difficulty with written or spoken communication
• With severe brain injury, people can be left in a vegetative state
• Coma
• Seizures

Preventing Brain Damage from Drug Overdose

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, there is hope for a better life.  To best decrease the chances of an overdose, quality addiction treatment is imperative.  The Source Treatment Center, located in beautiful Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  We are certified by the Florida Association of Recovery Residences and we maintain the highest level of accreditation, the gold seal of approval from the Joint Commission. 

If detox is needed, The Source will arrange a period of medical detox with one of our trusted detox partners.  Upon arrival at The Source, each person will be welcomed as family.  They will undergo a thorough medical and psychosocial assessment to assist in developing a treatment plan that fits their unique experiences and needs.  We understand that trauma and underlying mental health conditions are often the driving forces behind addiction, so we focus on treating each patient holistically and gently exploring these deeper root causes.  We know from experience that when the effects of trauma and PTSD are addressed, significant growth and healing can occur. 

During your time at The Source, a variety of therapies will be a staple of treatment.  Therapies utilized at The Source include individual, group, music, art, EMDR, Rapid Resolution Therapy, family, and massage to name a few.  We also offer multiple levels of care to best fit your needs, whether you need residential treatment or are further along in recovery, The Source has a program for you.  

If you would like more information on how The Source Treatment Center can help you or a loved one, please call our knowledgeable treatment specialists at (800) 204-0418 or online at www.thesourcetreatmentcenter.com.  We would be honored to assist you in your recovery!