Even common medicines like antihistamines (for allergies) or certain cough syrups can affect the brain when used excessively. Long-term use has been linked to confusion and poor memory, especially in older adults.
The Science of Brain Damage from Drugs
The human brain works on a balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Drugs alter this balance:
Too much dopamine stimulation (from opioids or stimulants) burns out receptors, reducing natural pleasure responses.
Suppressing neurotransmitters (as with sleeping pills) can slow brain function, leading to cognitive fog.
Interfering with acetylcholine (as some allergy medications do) impairs memory and learning.
Brain scans of long-term medication abusers often reveal shrinkage in areas linked to decision-making, learning, and emotional control. The scariest part? Some of these changes are irreversible.
