Unmasking the Hidden Pandemic: Exploring the Interplay of Substance Use Disorder and Chronic Health Issues

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate writers, Ms. Kaksha Parrikh, a medical graduate from MBBS from Govt. medical college, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue.

Similar to covid 19 pandemic, there is a lesser known pandemic going on which is drug abuse disorder or substance abuse. Alcohol abuse and drug abuse affects millions of people worldwide. According to the 2022 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): 46.8 million (16.7%) Americans (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in the past year. 10.5% of Americans 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year. Immediate impact of drug addiction are known but, drug abuse often contributes to chronic health issues due to multiple physiological, behavioral, and social factors. Now it becomes very necessary to see its long term effects and address it accordingly. 

Let’s take an example of alcohol abuse, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to poor nutrition, behavior disturbances, and eventually development of liver cirrhosis, and various cancers. This type of alcohol seeking behavior often leads to poor nutrition and bad dietary habits, as individuals may prioritize obtaining and using alcohol over maintaining a balanced diet. This can result in malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and impaired immune function, which increase susceptibility to chronic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines can elevate blood pressure levels over time. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and various cancers including lung cancer. 

Substance abuse is also known to disrupt sleep cycles and impair cognitive function, increase incidences of violence, and contribute to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. It is also known to trigger mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and psychosis. 

Chronic SUD eventually affects socio economic conditions by causing unemployment, poverty, and homelessness, further increasing the risk of chronic comorbidities by limiting access to healthcare and exacerbating stress.

I believe that ‘Prevention is better than cure’. And here, education plays a very important role in prevention and treatment of substance use disorder.  Many individuales start abusing drugs because they don’t know the risks or because of peer pressure. Targeted programs are needed in schools, workplaces, and communities to educate individuals about the risks of substance abuse and provide skills training to resist peer pressure and manage stress. 

Early screening and intervention are important to reduce overall impact. There are various ways to overcome addiction such as detoxification, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and counseling. Encouraging lifestyle modifications, such as following a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking, can help mitigate the impact of substance abuse-induced morbidities. Continued participation in support groups, and follow-up care with healthcare providers can help prevent relapse.

In summary, addressing drug abuse and related disorders requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, early intervention, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support. By recognizing and addressing the complex effects of SUDs and comorbidities, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities affected by substance abuse.

About the author

Ms. Kaksha Parrikh is a medical graduate from MBBS from Govt. medical college, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India