As you begin on the path of drug and alcohol addiction recovery, you’ll likely notice significant changes in your body. Substance use impacts your metabolism, for example--the way your body turns the food you eat into nutrition. It can also impact how your organs function, including your heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. As noted by the MedicinePlus, substance use can impact your body in various ways:
Opioids often impact the gastrointestinal system, causing constipation. When you start in recovery, you may notice nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Alcohol creates a significant nutritional deficiency, especially a lack of B vitamins, which can lead to anemia and neurological problems. It impacts metabolism, especially in the liver and pancreas, causing an imbalance of fluids.
Stimulants like meth and cocaine lead to poor nutrition, which can mean electrolyte imbalances that impact the brain and heart. Many suffer memory problems and may lose substantial weight.
These are just some examples. Any type of toxin that you put into your body impacts its ability to function properly, leading to complications. Yet, in just a few weeks of addiction treatment, you’ll see noted improvements.