The Connection Between Substance Abuse & Epilepsy
While drug-induced epileptic seizures (ES) are typically associated with antidepressants and antipsychotics, medication abuse and drug addiction can also bring on this condition. In recognition of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, North Georgia Recovery Center is here to outline the connection between addiction and epileptic seizures.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures. A person is considered epileptic after having two or more unprovoked seizures with a high likelihood of having more in the future.
Substances that Can Cause Seizures
Substance abuse can affect people differently, especially if mixing different types of drugs. While not everyone who uses these drugs will experience a seizure, abusing these drugs can cause seizures:
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- MDMA
- Methamphetamine
- Marijuana
- Opioids
- Opiates
Signs & Symptoms of a Seizure
Although there are different types of seizure that can affect people differently, some of the most common symptoms experienced during a seizure include:
- Blacking out and losing awareness
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
- Déjà vu
- Flashing lights
- Distorted sounds
- Unusual smells like burning rubber
- Unusual tastes
- Feelings of impending doom
- Numbness or tingling
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Feeling distracted
- lapses in memory
- Visual hallucinations
- Hearing loss
- Blinking rapidly
- Staring into space
- Muscle spasms
Seeking Help for Addiction at North Georgia Recovery Center
The road to recovery starts with taking the first step. Let us walk alongside you on the path to sobriety and wellness. When you choose to get treatment at North Georgia Recovery Center, you can rest assured knowing that you will be treated by licensed therapists in our state-of-the-art facilities. Every one of our team members is certified to address and effectively treat the issues that come along with addiction.
To schedule your free consultation with our team, call (678) 940-7873 or get in touch with us online today.