Dizziness
Dizziness comprises feelings of weakness, giddiness, lack of balance or stability, and sometimes perception. Dizziness is sometimes referred to as vertigo or disequilibrium. Other time, vertigo and disequilibrium are treated as classifications of dizziness. However, vertigo is the form of dizziness that makes you feel as though you or your surrounding environment is spinning. This may last for a while or just a short period of time, depending on what initially led to this feeling.
Dizziness is an issue because the body always needs balance. Whenever that is lacking, many organs and your system as a whole are affected. There are multiple possible causes, both biological and trauma-related, which may manifest in this condition.
Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness is not a feeling that comes by itself but is always caused by something in particular. Ordinarily, spinning for sports activities or fun can cause dizziness. In which case, this is not an issue, as it is likely to stop as soon as the activity ends.
Dizziness can be caused by abnormal health conditions like a migraine, ear infection, heart problem, concussion, low blood pressure, stroke, seizure, dehydration, epilepsy, and many more.
Dizziness can also be caused by drugs – both those prescribed by doctors, as well as substances of abuse. In fact, dizziness is a common symptom of drug abuse and addiction.
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How Drug Abuse and Addiction Causes Dizziness
Dizziness relates to drug abuse or addiction both as a symptom of addiction and withdrawal. As a symptom of addiction, dizziness occurs either when you take more or less than the usual quantity of your drug of choice.Â
On the other hand, dizziness is one of those feelings you have when you attempt to withdraw from a substance – whether cocaine, alcohol, heroin or others – that you’ve taken over a long period of time. As a withdrawal symptom, dizziness can be severe or mild, depending on the type of drug consumed and for how long it has been taken. Whether mild or severe, dizziness is one of those symptoms that can induce a return to drug taking and subsequent relapse.
Outward Signs of Dizziness
Typical observable signs of dizziness include (but are not limited to):
- Palpitations of the heart
- Chest pain
- Heavy-headedness
- Loss of balance
- Fainting
- Light-headedness
- Weakness of the arm
Effects of Dizziness
Dizziness affects you in various ways, depending on how serious it is. Generally, you won’t be able to engage in work or other activities if you feel dizzy. Consequently, dizziness affects your occupational, social and recreational life. It can also cause you to faint or fall and hurt yourself. In rare cases, fainting or falling could prove fatal.
When to See a Doctor
You’re advised to see a doctor as soon as you begin to notice any of the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ear (and some of the outward signs of dizziness)
Seeing a doctor is particularly important in the case of individuals who abuse or are addicted to drugs. This is because dizziness won’t be the only symptom of either abuse or withdrawal, as there will always be others. You’ll feel better when you consult an expert; self-help is often counterproductive.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.