Drug Addiction: Methadone Facts

Question: Can drug addiction affect a persons brain later in life?

(Posted by: Alejandro on 2010-05-18 06:04:24)

Im talking about drugs like cocain etc heavy drugs... my ex partner was addicted to drugs a few years ago and during our relationship of 1.5 years she did do and say some strange things and behaviour was irrational at times. what effects can drugs like cocain have on a persons brain/ personality later in life like say 6 years later even if they are totally clean now?

Posted by: TinyEMT on 2010-05-18, 06:10:55

Drugs can affect a person's behavior long after they have stopped using drugs.it is believed that a person's brain is programmed to stop developing when someone is using drugs so when they stop using,they tend to act the age that they were when they started.some of the chemicals in their brain may now be off balance and could be sending them messages to do things that make no sense at the time or seem inappropriate.Depending on the type of drugs used,how much was used,and for how long;the effects could be short lived or they can last forever,sometimes even getting worse.It all depends on the damage caused by the persons drug use.

Posted by: The Colonel poundin the skinz on 2010-05-18, 06:18:51

As a former addict (cocaine, LSD, ecstacy etc) I can vouch for the validity of TinyEMT's comments...many times, addicts already suffer from mental disorders which is what draws them to relief by using drugs to begin with. I, for example, am BiPolar and roughly 70% of BP's use drugs to cope. Even after the drug use has stopped, there may be other underlying issues that need to be dealt with...and yes, drugs have long term effects and change the chemical balance of the brain.