If you are concerned about your own substance use or worry about a loved one who regularly consumes a prescribed, legal or illegal drug – you are not alone.
Substance use and abuse is a problem in many parts of the world. Drug and alcohol consumption can be detrimental to self, society, or both – particularly when ‘normal’ intake crosses the line into addiction, misuse, and abuse. This is especially true for drugs like alcohol and nicotine that are widely available and seen as socially acceptable in many cultures.
According to the WHO, in 2019, 2.6 million deaths were from harmful use of alcohol alone – that’s 5.3% of all deaths worldwide. There are also an estimated 296 million users of illegal drugs globally.
A multi-faceted health risk
Many of the same risk factors apply to the array of substances that are consumed globally, whether they are prescribed, recreational, or illicit drugs. For example, drinking alcohol above recommended levels is one of the main causes of hypertension. Many other substances also lead to raised blood pressure, and thus, are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Slowing or stopping substance use or breaking an addiction is usually incredibly tough. The process of detoxification can be painful and put the body and mind under immense stress. But breaking free from depending on substances offers hope for overcoming unhealthy habits or an addiction, and for reversing or mitigating the detrimental effects on blood pressure and heart health.
Substance use and blood pressure: Critical links
Many substances exert a detrimental impact on cardiovascular health when used excessively.
Notably, alcohol can cause sustained high blood pressure (hypertension) which is one of the most critical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, nicotine and illicit recreational drugs such as cocaine and synthetic opioids affect blood pressure and heart rate negatively, leading to potential long-term cardiovascular issues.
The relationship between substance use and hypertension is particularly concerning because it sets the stage for a cascade of health issues. Hypertension is a gateway to more severe problems, including heart attacks and strokes, exacerbated by the direct effects of substances that disrupt cardiovascular function. For instance, the opioid fentanyl can actually lower blood pressure. But it also carries risks that far outweigh any short-term “therapeutic” effects, complicating the cardiovascular profile of users.
Read on to learn how detoxification could be your first step away from a cycle of addiction, improving your heart health, and renewing a feeling of wellbeing.
The impact of detox on blood pressure
When an individual stops using substances that have been elevating their blood pressure, a significant shift can occur. Initially, there may be a temporary spike in blood pressure due to withdrawal symptoms. However, the body adjusts to the absence of these substances over time, allowing blood pressure to normalise and reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Studies have shown that detoxification from substances like alcohol can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, participants who ceased heavy alcohol use saw a meaningful decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels within weeks.
Studies funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute highlight the long-term use of nicotine products like e-cigarettes, which can impair the function of blood vessels and elevate cardiovascular risks. For individuals who smoke cigarettes, quitting drastically reduces the risk of catastrophic cardiac events. This can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, slow the progression of atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries) and reduce its further development, and drastically lower the risk of coronary heart disease. According to the Stroke Association, five years after stopping tobacco use, a person’s risk of stroke drops to the same level as those who have never smoked.
Detoxification explained
In the context of substance use, detoxification is a critical first step towards recovery, aiming to safely manage the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal. This process can vary in intensity and duration, depending on the substance involved, the duration of use, and the individual’s overall health. In broad terms, detox follows two routes:
Medically assisted detox
For many individuals, detox under medical supervision provides the safest path. This method often involves medications that can help ease withdrawal symptoms and manage blood pressure fluctuations. For example, methadone is used in opioid detox to reduce cravings, control withdrawal symptoms, and stabilise body functions.
Natural detox
The human body’s own detox mechanisms work to filter and eliminate toxins through the liver, kidneys, and intestines. In cases of mild substance use, natural detox might be sufficient alongside hydration, nutrition, and rest.
Challenges and considerations in substance detox
Detoxification is not without its challenges, which can include severe withdrawal symptoms that pose risks to cardiovascular stability.
Withdrawal symptoms differ between substances, ranging from mild anxiety and shaking to severe complications like delirium tremens in alcohol withdrawal, which can include rapid fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Sudden cessation of certain substances, especially those that are vasoactive (affecting the diameter of blood vessels and hence blood pressure) like cocaine, can lead to dangerous changes in blood pressure. That’s why many health professionals recommend continuous monitoring during detox to manage these risks effectively.
Integration of Aktiia Blood Pressure system
During detox, managing blood pressure is crucial. The Aktiia Blood Pressure solution can help. It provides 24/7 monitoring with a simple wristband. The accompanying Aktiia app provides users and healthcare professionals with real-time data to ensure that blood pressure levels remain stable and within safe ranges throughout the detox process. Continuous monitoring can also alert medical staff to potential issues before they become emergencies.
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If you are worried about substance abuse for yourself or someone you love, you can contact these organisations to find help:
- Alcoholic Anonymous, 0800 9177 650. Help and support for anyone with alcohol problems.
- Antidote, the drug, alcohol and chemsex support branch of London Friend, the oldest LGBTQIA+ charity in the UK.
- Narcotic Anonymous, 0300 999 1212. Support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs.
- We Are With You, supports people with drug, alcohol or mental health problems, and their friends and family.
- DrugFAM, 0300 888 3853. Provides support to anyone affected by someone else’s harmful use of drugs, alcohol or gambling.
Disclaimer: This article does not contain or replace medical advice. Get in touch with a health service if you think you have an addiction or substance abuse problem.
Sources:
Global drug use – Statistics & Facts, Statista, 10 jan 2024 – https://www.statista.com/topics-global-drug-use
Alcohol, WHO, 28 Jun 2024 – https://www.who.int/news-room-fact-sheets-detail-alcohol
High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease, AHA Journals, 23 Dec 2019 – https://www.ahajournals.org/HYPERTENSION
Effect of Alcohol Abstinence on Blood Pressure […], AHA Journals, 1 Feb 1999 – https://www.ahajournals.org/after-1-month-of-proven-alcohol-abstinence-bp-and-heart
NIH-Funded Studies Show Damaging Effects of Vaping, Smoking on Blood Vessels, ONS Voice, 10 Jan 2023 – https://voice.ons.org/advocacy-nih-funded-studies-show-damaging-effects-of-vaping-smoking-on-blood-vessels
Stop Smoking, Stroke Association, 11 Mar 2024 – https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-manage-risk-stop-smoking
