Early-Life Strokes Tied To Drug And Alcohol Abuse

A stroke is defined as the rapid loss of brain function due to a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This disturbance can cause permanent neurological damage, and may result in death or complete physical debilitation. High blood pressure is one of the common variables that put most people in danger of having a stroke. Studies have shown that doing drugs over a long period of time will most likely cause high blood pressure, which may result in a stroke or other health complications. Also, amphetamines and other stimulants cause blood pressure to rise intensely for a short periods of time. This may cause an instantaneous and fatal stroke.

Often thought of as a condition of the elderly, more and more young adults are suffering from strokes. Researchers have begun to look into this epidemic and found a common, and somewhat unsurprising factor. The common factor among many of these cases is drug and/or alcohol addiction and abuse. Even if the drug use does not cause an instant problem, excessive drug abuse can put users at a higher risk than an average person, and at an earlier time in their lives. Substance abuse is common among young adults experiencing a stroke, and it is advised that patients who are younger than 55 years of age should be routinely screened and counseled in regards to substance abuse. 

However, some drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine especially, cause a serious, instant and life-threatening stroke when use in excess. This happens because the drug creates a cut-off of blood to the brain, constricting the blood vessels in a very short time. There have been cases where a stroke has occurred, even in young, healthy adults with no other stroke risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, family history, etc.,). The only way to successfully avoid a stroke when you are young is to avoid using illicit substances. If you have an addiction, seek help immediately from a certified facility.

Every year, close to 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. Almost 5% of that population is between the ages of 18 and 44. Strokes are most commonly the result of a serious, long-term illness or disability – this includes substance abuse and addiction. One in five of the individuals who suffered a stroke used illicit drugs, and over half were smokers at one time. 13% had used drugs or alcohol 24 hours prior to their stroke.

Some of these numbers may seem on the small and insignificant side, but if you or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, these numbers become very important. Drug treatment is of the utmost importance when dealing with an addiction. The only way to avoid suffering from a stroke at a young age is to stop engaging in risky behavior such as drug use, and to stay healthy!! At Ambrosia Treatment Centers and other treatment centers all over the world, healthy habits are taught along with exercise programs and education. Do not wait to start treatment, begin your road to recovery today!