When you think of the costs of drug use, what comes to mind?
Substance use impacts every aspect of your life. From changing the way you relax and have fun to deteriorating your mental and physical health, its effects are often extensive and profound. It can also play a role in physical appearance.
As many as 90% of people report some level of dissatisfaction with the way they look, and substance use can worsen these insecurities. While it’s easy to look at damage from conditions like meth mouth, sometimes the changes are more subtle.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we believe education is critical to our community. Today, we’re going to discuss one of these physical changes and answer the question: what drugs cause a puffy face?
Sometimes referred to as “puffy face”, many substances can lead to facial swelling. There is rarely a single cause for this, and it’s typically a result of several factors. In the short term, this is often due to fluid retention, known as edema, or an allergic reaction. If you or a loved one are experiencing an allergic reaction, be prepared to seek medical attention if the reaction does not fade.
Over longer periods of time, and especially when taking steroids, fat deposits can also build up in the face and across the body. Increases in blood pressure or inflammation may occur, leading to puffiness. Intestinal issues are common, causing additional bloat and swelling. Long-term substance use frequently disrupts hormonal balance and can change the way the body distributes fat or fluids.
Cocaine use can lead to swelling of the face and body, commonly called “coke bloat”. This happens for a variety of reasons. Cocaine is a stimulant, and can lead to constricted blood flow. This can lead to redness and swelling, and potentially fluid build-up in the face. Snorting is a popular method of taking cocaine, and over time this can cause the nasal area to become inflamed and swollen. Cocaine can influence the body’s hormones, particularly with long-term use. Additionally, cocaine is frequently “cut”, or mixed, with other substances. These can lead to allergic reactions.
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose water. This counterintuitively leads to fluid build up and swelling, as your body tries to prevent dehydration by holding on to as much liquid as it can. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, widening and leading to redness and a potentially puffy appearance. Alcohol use commonly leads to liver damage, which can further result in fluid build up or hormonal changes in the body, as well as chronic inflammation.
Opioids – such as prescription painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl – can also lead to this condition. Similar to alcohol, chronic opioid use can lead to dehydration, causing fluid build up. However, research suggests that this stems from its damage to your kidneys, rather than necessarily being a diuretic. Opioids also lead to blood vessel dilation, causing additional redness and swelling. This risk is significantly increased with intravenous delivery, and this can result in swelling throughout the body and face.
Minor swelling often will go away on its own given enough time. Typically, you can elevate and rest any swollen areas while making sure you drink plenty of water. If facial swelling is sudden, severe, or lasts for a few days, it can be important to seek a medical diagnosis. Facial swelling can be a serious health concern, and unchecked swelling can potentially close off airways. If you experience any difficulties breathing or if the swelling continues to spread, seek immediate medical attention.
The first step to preventing or reducing facial swelling is to stop taking the substance. Even legal prescription painkillers can result in inflammation or swelling, and it may be as simple as switching your prescription. However, for many people, this is often easier said than done. Substance use can seem like an inescapable pattern, and it may require seeking a drug detox program to begin your path to recovery.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we make sure you’re never alone. With a 1:8 staff-to-patient ratio, you get the hands-on care and attention you need. We are here every step of the way, and our extensive alumni community is there to support you – however long your recovery journey takes. Connect with us today at 866-957-7885 to learn how you can take the first steps toward reclaiming your life.
Strength. Acceptance. Recovery. Community.
Q: What drugs cause puffy face?
A: A variety of substances can cause facial swelling, known as puffy face. Most commonly, these are opioids and depressants. However, some stimulants, like cocaine, can lead to bloat and swelling.
Q: What can I do to reduce swelling?
A: Stop taking whatever substance caused it, or ask your doctor to change the dosage. Elevating the swollen area can help, as can drinking plenty of water. If swelling continues to spread, or disrupts your breathing in any way, seek immediate medical attention.
contact us now!
