Long-term Effects of Alcohol, Cocaine, and Opioid Addictions

Victory Recovery Partners is a network of seven addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York. Specializing in outpatient substance use and addiction treatment, we have successfully helped thousands of patients recover. It is crucial that our patients understand the potential dangerous long-term effects of drug use, so they can be extra motivated and determined to begin their recovery journeys. Understanding the long-term effects of commonly abused substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and opioids will help our patients to come to the conclusion that they need to fully recover, so they can lead a long, healthy, and positive life. 

Alcohol is a commonly misused substance. Binge drinking, and heavy drinking, which is defined as consuming eight or more drinks per week for women, and fifteen or more drinks per week per men, can cause negative effects on one’s health, even leading to death in certain circumstances. 

Misusing alcohol continuously for an extended period of time can lead to a number of detrimental cardiovascular issues, such as changes in one’s heart rhythm, elevated blood pressure, and an increased chance of having a stroke. Along with these negative issues, misuse of alcohol can also cause coronary arterial disease, meaning the arteries do not supply enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Alcohol misuse can also lead to neurological issues, liver diseases, pancreatic damage, and kidney health issues. With all of this being said, it is crucial that our patients understand and become properly educated on all of the health risks associated with chronic alcohol misuse. 

Another commonly misused drug, cocaine, can also lead to negative long-term health effects. For example, chronic cocaine use can cause changes in one’s brain chemistry. Cognitive function can be impaired, leading to problems with attention, memory, and impulse control. Further, long-term use can increase one’s chances of having a stroke along with bleeding in the brain. Cocaine can also lead to gastrointestinal system problems by limiting blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, heart and cardiovascular problems can occur, which can lead to heart attacks. 

Another commonly misused substance is opioids. Over recent years, the opioid crisis in the US has grown, and facilities such as Victory Recovery Partners have adapted. In fact, we currently operate two methadone clinics, that are located in Farmingville and Shirley, New York. Long-term effects of opioid addiction include gastrointestinal system issues, respiratory problems, damage to the brain and central nervous system, cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks or heart failure, and kidney diseases. At Victory, we have helped countless patients recover from opioid addictions, allowing them to live a better, healthier life.  

Victory Recovery Partners, a network of seven addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York, provides outpatient services all under one roof to help our patients fully recover. This includes behavioral health, psychiatric, wellness, and medication-assisted treatment services. By educating our patients on the long-term dangerous health issues that can occur from substance use and addiction, they become motivated to make a long-lasting impactful change to their health and lives. While overcoming an addiction is not easy, we have witnessed thousands of patients recover, and we are confident we can help you, too. For more information on Victory, visit our website www.victoryrp.com