Homeostasis and drug addiction

The American Heritage College dictionary defines homeostasis as “the ability or tendency of an organism or a cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes”.  A person may be able to “try” a drug such as marijuana once or twice and not have any lasting effects.  A person can take a prescription drug properly and then get off of it at the recommended time and have whatever ailment is was prescribed for treated properly.  However, continued use of drugs or over indulging in alcohol can cause just the opposite to occur.  Once the brain is altered, it can be impossible for homeostasis to occur unless a person gets off of drugs permanently.

There is a point when it seems homeostasis is occurring as a person takes drugs.  This creates a negative type of homeostasis that results in the need for the drug in order for a person to simply “be” yet it is actually doing just the opposite in the person's physiological makeup.  This is one of the effects of the delusional side effect of drug use.

The best way to have homeostasis work correctly in your body is to simply follow any medication as directed by the doctor and stay away from illicit drugs entirely.  There is only so far homeostasis can go in a body that has abused drugs before there is no longer any control whatsoever and the person needs outside help in order to withdraw and remove the drugs from his or her system.  While homeostasis is the body's way to protect the brain and a person's equilibrium, there are no guarantees when it comes to abusing drugs and the body will simply break down physically and psychologically.  If you are already addicted to drugs or know someone who is, call the helpline so we can help you begin putting your life back together.

Call one of our counsellors today!
1-877-254-3348

Works Cited
<http://www.biology-online.org/4/1_physiological_homeostasis.htm#>