For men and women alike, hair loss is one of those problems that always seems to be lurking on the horizon, waiting to strike at the most inconvenient moment. Though, there are a number of ways that hair loss can be exacerbated, one being drug use. After all, besides being an essential part of humanity, hair is also important in human culture. From wild updos at crazy parties to elaborate hairstyles in Oriental countries, our lovely locks define who we are and how we live. On that note, you may not be surprised to hear that some drugs might cause hair to fall out prematurely. After consuming drugs for a long period, your body cannot take the shock and (for lack of a better phrase) begins to molt as a safety measure. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between recreational drugs and hair loss.
Defining Recreational Drugs
Simply put, a recreational drug as a substance that is not used for medical purposes but, instead, is consumed for pleasure (or out of habit). Some of the most common types of these drugs include MDMA (ecstasy or Molly), cocaine, marijuana, and heroin (diacetylmorphine), but additional studies have confirmed that GHB and ketamine are also growing in popularity. Although the last two additions are Class C drugs, these substances are still extremely dangerous.
Physical Changes to Hair from Drug Use
So, how does drug use affect hair loss?
Due to the nature of harmful toxins, hair may be depleted with the necessary nutrients it needs to continue growing and remaining healthy. According to Leona Doclis (a senior hair loss specialist at the Belgravia Center in London, England), the consumption of recreational drugs shocks he hair follicles, triggering a variety of hair loss known as Telogen Effluvium. After being negatively stimulated by the drugs, the follicles will enter a dormant stage (Telogen) and, after three months, will start to fall out. However, Doclis has emphasized that, if a person stops taking these drugs, the hair will grow back normally after a 6-month period.
Chemical Changes to Hair From Drug Use
As Doclis explains, although most drug-induced hair loss is temporary, some people will start to suffer from androgenic alopecia (better known as female/male pattern baldness). Ultimately, this condition is caused by a sensitivity to DHT (a hormone that triggers hair loss and stops further growth along the crown and scalp). Although 80% of men and 50% of women will naturally develop this problem at some point in their lives, the use of recreational drugs will make this situation worse and might trigger an early form of it.
No matter the substance, any harmful drug can inhibit hair growth and cause damage to it’s chemical structure. A study initiated by the National Institute on Health found that the chemical structure of hair was damaged in 97.2% cocaine abusers. In addition, 97.9% of recreational LSD users had destroyed similar structures of hair.
How to Combat Drug Use Affecting Hair Loss
One of the most effective ways to reverse the damage of hair loss and start to re-grow your hair is to stop using substances. Overtime, these toxic chemicals will rid themselves from the body and hair will be able to freely grow again. However, is stopping using substances is something that you have trouble with on your own, another option is to get in touch with an addiction professional.
Drug Rehab in Orange County, CA
Don’t let drug use affect your hair loss. Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? At Asana Recovery, our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 763-3440 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
