Why Do Drugs Cause Weight Loss?

Why Do Drugs Cause Weight Loss?

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There are many reasons why a person might lose weight while on drugs. Some drugs or medications, such as amphetamines and opioids, cause the body to quickly burn fat. Other substances, like cocaine and marijuana, suppress appetite. In many cases, individuals try stimulant drugs to lose weight and, unfortunately, become addicted because of the drug’s chemical makeup. There is hope, however, because once the drug is no longer in your system—and it can take a few months after your last use—your appetite will return, and you will find yourself gaining weight again, looking and feeling healthy. It is important to keep in mind any underlying issues that could be causing you or a loved one to use or abuse any type of drug. At Passages Malibu, we specialize in helping individuals worldwide discover and heal the root cause of their substance abuse-related issues at our first-class addiction treatment facility in Malibu, California.

Drugs and Weight Loss

There are many reasons why drugs can cause weight loss, and it can be challenging to separate the effects of one from another. For example, drugs affect the brain, which in turn affects appetite. Some drugs cause your brain to believe you are starving even though you have plenty of food in your system. Other drugs slow your metabolism and interfere with how your cells operate; this is especially true for amphetamines.

Amphetamines and Weight Loss

Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). This drug enhances alertness and energy levels, leading to weight loss. Amphetamines can also cause increased appetite. This is because it increases your metabolism but also suppresses your appetite at the same time.

Stimulants and Weight Loss

Stimulants are a class of drugs that work to speed up the central nervous system. The most common stimulant is caffeine, the main ingredient in coffee, tea, and soda. Stimulants also treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

With their ability to increase metabolism and energy, it's no surprise that stimulants can cause weight loss by boosting your metabolism. However, in addition to increasing your metabolism, they also decrease appetite, so you won't feel hungry as often. This combination of factors leads to a caloric deficit—you're burning more calories than you're taking in.

Opioids and Weight Loss

Opioid drugs cause individuals to lose weight for three main reasons: diet changes and/or lack of appetite; sweat and urine output; and bowel movements. This could be seen in long-term opioid users as well as short-term ones.

Weight gain after drug addiction treatment

Gaining weight during and after addiction treatment is a sign that your body is transitioning to a healthy state of being. This is a good sign. You may notice your face beginning to fill out and your skin starting to glow. Once you have properly detoxed from drugs and alcohol, you will experience many wonderful changes taking place and start to feel much stronger than ever before. Putting on a little weight after you have become sober is a healthy sign of recovery.

Once the drug is out of the system, appetite returns.

Once all the harmful substances are out of your system, your body will be able to produce hormones that tell your brain when to eat and when not. You'll gain back your weight in a healthy way, looking and feeling radiant from the inside out. At Passages, we are here to help you or your loved one break free from addiction and substance abuse-related issues that may have caused an array of health, behavioral, and lifestyle concerns. Our team of addiction specialists are highly trained in every area of addiction treatment and enthusiastic about helping individuals heal the underlying causes of their drug and alcohol abuse-related issues so they can go on to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life after treatment. Contact us today to receive more information about our non-12-Step and holistic treatment programs. Most insurance is accepted.