The effects of substance abuse on the kidneys 

Substance abuse is identified as dangerous, resulting in physical and psychological harm, along with many other destructive effects.

Yet while surface-level impacts may be recognisable, the majority of users will in fact lack awareness of how harmful drug and alcohol consumption are on vital organs, such as the kidneys.

The effects of substance abuse on the kidneys can be chronic, especially when consuming high-risk substances, such as heroin, alcohol and some prescription drugs.

While initial consumption may not influence much change, excessive and/or long-term abuse can impact kidney functioning and health, where both damage and failure are common consequences.

For many users, the reality of kidney damage or failure may feel a way off, where the positives of substance abuse may currently outweigh the negative.

However, as a build-up of such toxic substances is formed within the excretory system, consequences are likely, which if experienced, can be lifechanging.

Now is the time to become aware of how the likes of drug and alcohol kidney problems, along with many other health concerns can materialise if enabled, along with how to work through attachment issues. If you’re suffering from substance abuse, we at Action Rehab are here for you.

The overarching consequences of substance abuse

3.2 million people in the UK are currently found to abuse drugs and alcohol, to some degree. For some of those individuals, consumption will be stable, will be controllable, and will carry limited harm.

However, for those who experience symptoms of substance abuse, where consumption is uncontrollable, and where either illegal, legal or prescription substances are abused, there are many consequences ahead. Drug and alcohol addictions can be severe brain conditions, which left untreated, can amount to life-threatening results.

Overarching consequences of substance abuse include harm to physical and psychological health, to livelihoods, to relationships, to future capabilities and to life quality.

At the surface level, some of those negative effects may feel manageable. However, under the surface, especially those under health concerns, living through substance abuse can be extremely testing.

Drugs and alcohol disrupt the organic functionality of the body and brain. They target vital organs, the day-to-day running’s of the body and overall immunity, strength, health and wellbeing.

This is why we’re covering the effects of substance abuse on the kidneys, as ongoing abuse can result in damages and disorders, across the body, posing a challenge for everyday life.

The effects of substance abuse on the kidneys

Like any condition, the effects of substance abuse on the kidneys will differ for every user. However, there is a link between long-term substance abuse and kidney damage/failure, which stands as a significant consequence.

Kidney functioning  

Through everyday life, the kidneys are a vital organ that forms a part of the excretory system, helping to metabolise fluid, waste and toxins. While the liver is commonly attached to the detoxifying process of the body, the kidney supports this function, working with the bladder to remove excessive and unnecessary build-up.

Ultimately, the liver cleans out the body, which is advanced and processed by the kidneys, helping the excretory system function on a consistent basis.

Once drugs and alcohol enter the system, the kidneys will work to excrete such substances. Initially, functionality will rank as organic. However, the effects of substance abuse on the kidneys showcase themselves quickly, through reduced functionality, all caused by a significant build-up of toxicity.

If addictive and harmful substances cannot be removed from the body at an optimal rate, a build-up can be experienced, placing pressure on kidney functionality.

Many side effects can amount from such pressure, including kidney stones, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney damage and kidney failure.

As the kidneys play such an important part in managing internal health and processes, further issues can also develop, placing pressure on subsequent organs and systems.

Through such damage, the effects of substance abuse on the kidneys can be long lasting and can be challenging to revert if harm has been experienced.

Long-term harm 

Along with disrupting kidney functionality, long-term harm including dialysis, cancer and even the need for a kidney transplant can be the case. All will result in a significantly reduced quality of life, in tandem with the common downfalls of substance abuse.

If long-term harm is experienced, where kidney failure and potential renal damage are encountered, this is a very serious consequence, which can be life-threatening.

High-risk substances  

Some substances carry a greater risk of damaging the kidneys. Those include nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, opiates, heroin and prescription drugs.

All are known to leave a significant build-up of toxicity within the kidneys, which if enabled over time can result in substantial pressure.

That pressure alone can result in kidney problems. Yet, paired with ongoing substance abuse, down to an addiction diagnosis can lead to extreme consequences.

Such substances are also classified as high risk as they are highly addictive, carrying strong likelihoods of addiction diagnoses.

Through such a diagnosis, consumption will be ongoing which will increase the risk of developing kidney problems, along with attacking the entire excretory system.

Treatment for substance abuse

Enabled substance abuse can lead to many problems, yet significant focus should be placed on organ functionality and health, as for some, once harm has been experienced, reverting those consequences can be extremely tough.

Substance abuse can be worked through with treatment. Yet health concerns can be extremely challenging to suppress once the damaging footprint of drugs and alcohol have left their mark.

This is why it’s recommended that addiction treatment is accepted and completed as soon as possible, to reduce the potential effects of substance abuse on the kidneys and further organs.

At Action Rehab, we can help you through this process by offering recommendations of residential addiction treatment, while also focusing on elevating your overall health and wellbeing.

Substance abuse can develop into life-limiting consequences, which if experienced, can make recovery even harder. Reduce your struggles by considering your drug and alcohol consumption, along with how both are impacting your health.

We as humans need our kidneys to function every day. Remember this while working through addiction recovery, where you can work to protect and strengthen your kidney functionality.

Sources

https://www.drugwise.org.uk/how-many-people-use-drugs/

Posted on Friday, March 5th, 2021 at 9:21 am in Latest News.