How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Impacts Your Mind, Body, and Health

Over 20 million people in the U.S. have a substance use disorder (SUD) — a mental health condition where you continue using drugs and alcohol despite the problems they cause. Substance use disorder is also sometimes called “addiction,” especially when it’s severe.

There are many substances that can lead to addiction. Examples include:

• Alcohol

• Cocaine

• Heroin

• LSD

• Marijuana

• Methamphetamine

• Nitrous oxide

• PCP

• Prescription medications

• Tobacco

You may be familiar with many of the symptoms of substance use disorder, like cravings, withdrawal, or problems at work or in your personal life. 

But did you know that addiction can also affect your physical health? Drugs and alcohol can cause immediate physical symptoms, sometimes with just one use. Substance use can also lead to chronic health problems, disability, and even death. 

Read on to learn more about how substances affect your body and brain, as well as which health conditions are associated with drug and alcohol use.

What are the physical effects of drugs and alcohol?

When you use alcohol or drugs, they can have immediate physical effects. These effects depend on which substance you take, how much you use, and your overall health. For some drugs, these effects can happen with just one use. 

Examples of short-term physical effects include:

• Heart rate changes

• Breathing changes

• Changes in alertness

• Coordination problems

• Trouble speaking clearly

• Appetite changes

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fainting

Using drugs or alcohol for longer periods of time can also cause symptoms. 

Examples of long-term physical effects include: 

• Abdominal pain

• Breathing problems

• Chest pain

• Severe constipation

• Severe muscle cramping

• Weight gain or loss

• Seizures

How do drugs and alcohol affect your brain and mental health?

Drugs and alcohol can have short-term effects on your mental state. These can include changes in your:

• Mood

• Anxiety

• Concentration

• Ability to think clearly

• Ability to relax

• Perception of reality

Drug and alcohol use can also cause permanent brain problems, like memory difficulties, poor decision making, and even dementia.

Drug use also alters levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. This can lead to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. In fact, people addicted to drugs are twice as likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder.

Are there certain health problems linked to drug and alcohol use?

Yes. Drug and alcohol use is associated with many different health problems, like stroke, heart attack, and even some cancers.

Examples include:

• Heart problems: Alcohol and most drugs are linked to heart and blood vessel problems. This can lead to irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, and death.

• Dental problems: Many different substances cause dental problems, like dry mouth and tooth decay.

• Lung problems: Smoking or inhaling drugs can damage your lungs and increase your risk for lung problems like bronchitis or lung cancer.

• Infections: Injecting drugs increases your risk of infections like HIV, hepatitis, or heart and skin infections. Drug use can also weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections — including COVID-19.

• Kidney damage: Some drugs can damage your kidneys directly or make them have to work harder than normal.

• Liver damage: Alcohol and drugs can damage your liver, especially when combined.

• Mental health problems: Many drugs can worsen or cause new mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.

• Cancer: Cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol have all been linked to different types of cancer. 

Who is at risk for health problems from drugs and alcohol?

Anyone who uses drugs and alcohol can have health problems. 

You may be more likely to have health problems if you:

• Use high doses of drugs over a long period of time

• Use drugs made from home labs that may have unsafe contaminants or unknown doses

• Have other mental health conditions that could worsen drug effects 

• Mix drugs or alcohol

• Engage in high-risk behavior

• Have underlying health conditions like heart or lung disease

How do I know if I’m addicted to drugs or alcohol?

Drug or alcohol use can range from occasional use through misuse to severe addiction. Addiction is when someone continues to use a substance despite it causing negative consequences. Addiction changes the brain, and people addicted to drugs or alcohol often have uncontrollable cravings for the substance. 

You can learn more about the difference between substance use and addiction in our GoodRx guide to substance use disorder. 

How to keep drug or alcohol use from becoming an addiction

Occasional use of drugs or alcohol does not mean you will become addicted, but if you think you might be at risk of addiction, it’s a good idea to take some steps to prevent misuse or addiction. This could mean:

• Limiting your use or setting limits for yourself

• Finding outside hobbies or activities that do not involve substance use

• Connecting with others with similar goals, such as through Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous

• Using smartphone or tablet apps to manage your triggers and cravings

• Talking with your healthcare provider about counseling or medications

Getting help for a substance use disorder

Treatment for addiction most often includes therapy, medication, and long-term follow up. It may be treated outpatient, in the hospital, or a combination. It is important to realize drug addiction is a chronic disease and that ongoing support is crucial. 

Need more information? Read about treatment options in our GoodRx guide to recovery. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in chronic care management, women’s health, mental health, and preventive care. She has over 10 years of experience in primary care research, innovation, and practice.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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