Living With the Permanent Side Effects of Substance Misuse

Alcohol and other substances can cause damage due to their effects on the mind and body. If you have been diagnosed with a disability caused by substance misuse, you might need specialized therapy and long-term medical treatment to manage the symptoms. 

Do you often find yourself wondering how to maintain progress when you face unusual or overwhelming challenges? You can overcome substance misuse and lead a healthy life despite the obstacles you face. Case management and aftercare resources are essential for individuals navigating treatment and recovery while struggling with disabling mental or physical conditions. 

Do you have trouble finding people to help you with transport, medication management, and other aspects of ongoing recovery? If you feel isolated or alone while coping with permanent disabilities caused by substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Resources exist to get you access to the life-changing treatments and therapy necessary to manage the symptoms of mild and severe disabilities. 

Substance Misuse Increases Risks of Serious Injury

Substance misuse increases the risk of developing mental and physical disorders, including permanent severe disabilities like the following: 

• Brain damage caused by hypoxia or other side effects of substance misuse 
• Nerve damage 
• Seizures 
• Organ damage affecting the heart, liver, lungs, or stomach 

The body is full of delicate organs, and the harsh chemicals found in many controlled substances interfere with its ability to function. While many symptoms that alter systems of the body are temporary, not all of them are entirely reversible. Conditions affecting cognition can result from brain damage caused by lack of oxygen or chronic chemical imbalances. Symptoms can include memory issues, difficulty focusing, speech impairments, and trouble retaining new information. Therapy and medication help manage and treat these types of conditions. 

In addition to directly affecting the body, substance misuse can lead to other forms of disability. Individuals under the influence of mind-altering substances may find themselves exhibiting risk-taking behaviors that could lead to severe injury, illness, or death. 

Substances Known to Cause Possible Permanent Damage

Drugs and alcohol can cause severe damage up to and including coma or death, depending on various factors. Some of the most commonly misused substances that are known to have possible permanent side effects include:

• Alcohol 
• Amphetamines
• Opioids 

Alcohol misuse remains one of the most common causes of severe injury and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “excessive drinking is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States and is associated with numerous health and social problems.” Many people do not recognize the dangers of alcohol misuse because social media and other influences often portray alcohol consumption in a grossly exaggerated or dismissive way. 

The average American is unaware of the recommended daily alcohol limit or the possible side effects of binge drinking. A paper published in Alcohol Research Current Review reported that “alcohol intoxication is one of the strongest predictors of TBI [traumatic brain injury], and a substantial proportion of TBIs occur in intoxicated individuals.” Brain injuries can affect all levels of function, from mobility to communication and emotion regulation. 

Mental Versus Physical Conditions 

The most common co-occurring conditions are substance use disorder and mental health disorders, including: 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Bipolar disorder 
• Personality disorders 
• Eating disorders 
• Schizophrenia 

According to MedlinePlus, “Common risk factors may contribute to both mental disorders and substance use disorders,” and they include “genetics, stress, and trauma.” You may already be at a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder that significantly affects your day-to-day life. Symptom severity often depends on a wide range of factors, including your family history of substance misuse and mental health issues. 

Self-Care and Living With a Disability

Millions of people live with disabilities, ranging from mild to severe. According to the CDC, “61 million adults in the United States live with a disability.” You are not alone, and communities around the country come together to provide support, encouragement, and resources for individuals living with disabilities. 

Every day, you have to live with the consequences of substance misuse, which can lead to the development of resentment, depression, or other negative thought patterns. Recovery is a series of steps you need to keep taking to heal and grow. You can thrive despite lingering pain or discomfort caused by the symptoms you experience daily. 

You may go through periods where you feel lost, alone, confused, helpless, or guilty about needing help to accomplish tasks you might have had no difficulty with in the past. Be kind and patient with yourself as you learn the limitations of your disability and how it will affect you. 

A few ways to look out for your mental health include: 

• Practicing daily self-care 
• Using your support system 
• Making a safety plan 
• Practicing mindfulness and helpful coping techniques 
• Not being afraid to ask for assistance 
• Taking time each day to “unplug” from daily stressors by doing something you enjoy

The internet is an excellent resource for learning new ways to work around your disability. Many popular social media accounts describe assistive devices or unique methods for accomplishing specific tasks. Recovery from substance misuse is about more than detoxing and treating withdrawal — it is a lifelong process, and it can be a beautiful one. However, the symptoms you live with do not define your recovery journey. 

Living with a disability requires adaptation. In recovery, that means finding ways to avoid relapse and manage intrusive thoughts or cravings while navigating a minefield of possible triggers. Humans are not very observant as a whole which means that strangers or even coworkers and acquaintances might not notice when you are struggling with the effects of your condition. 

How well you adapt will depend on many factors, including: 

• Your support system 
• The specifics of your situation 
• Co-occurring disorders or complications 
• Your access to resources 

Early recovery is a difficult time. If chronic substance misuse caused your condition, you might have lingering withdrawal symptoms that make it even harder to get through everyday tasks. However, you can do things to decrease the risk of relapse. After completing your rehabilitation program, continuing treatment is essential to maintaining your mental and physical well-being. The stability, objectivity, and consistency provided by those services will help keep you grounded and motivated to overcome difficult moments in early recovery. 

Aftercare Therapy and Treatment Options 

During rehabilitation, your case manager may suggest aftercare services and treatment options that appear out of reach. You may have physical, emotional, mental, or financial roadblocks that seem impossible. However, you do not have to figure it out on your own. You can work with a dedicated advocate who has contact information and other details about programs that can help you maintain sobriety by ensuring you have access to the following: 

• Job placement
• Financial aid 
• Continuing education 
• Housing 
• Recovery resources 
• Medical and therapeutic services 

Not all treatment programs offer aftercare. However, most cities have community-based programs that provide case management and continuing care for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. You can find information on local offices by looking up your state’s health department. 

Self-Acceptance and Overcoming Challenges 

Self-worth and self-esteem play a vital role in mental health. How you feel about yourself will be reflected in how you treat yourself. Part of overcoming challenges related to recovery involves accepting yourself how you are today. Acceptance does not mean that you no longer feel angry, sad, scared, or hurt by the fact that you live with a permanent disability. Instead, it means your disabilities do not determine your self-worth. You deserve to be valued and respected by the people around you regardless of your past mistakes or current circumstances. 

A holistic approach to life and treatment can improve how you feel about yourself and your circumstances. Take the time to nurture your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being by practicing self-care and creating healthy routines in your life.

Mental and Physical Healing in Early Recovery 

Disabilities caused by substance misuse can affect the following: 

• Long-term and short-term memory
• Emotion regulation
• Fine motor skills
• Vision 

Occupational and physical therapy are often used in addition to traditional psychotherapy to provide relief from physical and mental health symptoms related to chronic disabilities. Most people manage physical conditions like organ damage with prescription medications and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, mental health disorders often require long-term individual psychotherapy. 

Many people use a combination of different methods and treatment options. You will want to work closely with your doctor and therapist to find the specific approach to treatment that works best for you. Every case is unique, and personalized care usually offers the most significant relief from pain or discomfort. Continuing care allows you to try various alternatives. 

Continuing Care and Getting the Support You Need 

Most treatment facilities offer case management and aftercare services. These services play a vital role in continuing care by providing information about local support group meetings,12-Step programs, individual therapy, and medical clinics. Living with a disability might mean you require long-term case management to keep your recovery on track. Continuing care comes with challenges for anyone in early recovery, but you may find yourself feeling hopeless, isolated, or alone while struggling to get the support you need. 

Some common ways disabilities could potentially interfere with continuing care include: 

• Cognitive disabilities that affect your focus during treatment and therapy 
• Communication issues 
• Forgetfulness leading to missed appointments, missed medication doses, or accidental over-medication 
• Extreme mood swings that leave you feeling angry, sad, or depressed 
• Physical pain limiting your mobility 

No matter what disability you live with, things outside of your control will impact recovery. Patience and self-acceptance are essential to accepting the parts of yourself that cause you pain or discomfort. 

You Are Stronger Than Your Body

Assistive devices, coping skills, community resources, and your support system can help you navigate the world while living with a mental or physical disability. The damage to your body does not diminish your worth and doesn’t need to impact your decision to maintain sobriety negatively. 

You will face challenges that other people in recovery cannot even comprehend, but you are not alone. The journey of recovery allows you to relearn how to trust others to support you. Healing takes time, dedication, and a willingness to accept help. Give yourself room to grow. Patience, determination, and perseverance can motivate you to maintain your sobriety. 

Disabilities caused directly or indirectly by substance misuse can affect all areas of your life, including treatment and recovery. You might feel alone and misunderstood by the people around you. Many permanent disabilities are “invisible” and only evident to others under certain circumstances, but you have to live with the effects of them every day. Finding a supportive community of peers can make a significant difference in how you approach ongoing sobriety. When you have other people to lean on, the process seems less overwhelming. The services we offer at Real Recovery Sober Living provide a safe and comfortable space where you can connect with others in similar circumstances. Living in a sober environment that encourages accountability will make it easier to stick with new healthy routines established during treatment. Find out more about our sober living facility by reaching out today. We are here to help. Call our office at (727) 290-9156.