Drugs of all kinds can have many negative effects on the body. Often, people take drugs to feel some kind of escape from reality, but that escape only lasts for a short period, and the adverse effects of drug use can last for much longer. Over time, drug abuse can result in severe addiction, leading to a whole range of different medical conditions. Often, support from a drug addiction rehabilitation centre is the only way to overcome drug addiction and start moving forward with life.

With the right treatment programme, you can overcome drug addiction, move past the suffering that addiction brings and regain control of your life. Overcoming an addiction requires professional support, which our specialists at Life Works in Surrey have years of experience in providing. They are highly trained in behavioural care and mental health support, so you don’t have to deal with drug addiction alone. At Life Works in Surrey, there are teams of dedicated psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists and other addiction specialists to help anyone overcome drug addiction.

An addiction is essentially an illness involving compulsive drug use that becomes difficult to control, no matter how traumatic and harmful the consequences. Someone with a drug addiction will not only be reliant on drugs for psychological reasons but often for physical reasons too, as the body will have become dependent on a drug and struggle to function without it. Drug addictions can vary from illegal substances like cocaine and heroin, to legal prescription drugs, but no matter the substance, addictions can be incredibly hard to manage, and often, professional support is necessary.

The effects of an addiction can also vary depending on which substance someone is addicted to, and the duration of the drug abuse. However, many people suffering from drug addiction experience similar short-term and long-term effects.

Short term effects

• Decreased appetite
• Irregular heartbeat
• Respiratory problems
• Hyperthermia
• Euphoria
• Increased activity
• Increased attention to detail
• Panic attacks and anxiety

These effects can vary depending on whether depressant drugs, stimulants or hallucinogens are used. Some drugs, like hallucinogens, can offer other short-term effects such as distorted perception. An addictions specialist can discuss the specific experiences and effects in each person.

Long-term effects

The long-term effects of drug addiction are those that are ongoing and highly unlikely to go away without support. If you are struggling with drug addiction, these are some of the long-term effects that  you may experience:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Organ damage/failure
• Heart conditions
• Ongoing respiratory complications
• Overdosing

The long-term effects of drug abuse can significantly damage your health. They can also completely disrupt the lives of those around you, making drug addiction and the recovery process even more challenging and complicated. However, once you reach out for help from a drug addiction rehabilitation centre, you and those around you won’t have to go through addiction recovery alone.

If you, or anyone you know, experience any of the effects listed above due to substance abuse, you can seek a free pre-screening assessment at Life Works in Surrey. Our team of professionals specialise in drug rehabilitation and offer help and guidance to those suffering from addiction.

What to expect when visiting Life Works

At Life Works’ drug addiction rehabilitation centre in Surrey, there are different addiction treatment plans that specialise in treatment for each type of drug addiction. These plans can include a range of different therapy sessions, as well as a detoxification process. Detoxing from drugs can feel physically and mentally demanding, so we make the process as comfortable as possible at Life Works. We also specialise in a medically assisted process of withdrawal. Our team of mental health professionals are there to assist and provide whatever you need every step of the way.

The initial screening process is a process where concerns and challenges can be discussed with medical professionals, and a treatment plan can be put into place.

You will receive a personalised treatment plan and journey, meeting your individual needs and requirements in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. The grounds of the rehabilitation centre are surrounded by beautiful gardens and contain comfortable living areas, providing an ideal place to seek treatment, relax and focus on recovery.

This page was reviewed by Robin Clayton, Primary Therapist, (BACP, ATSAC) in September 2021.