Laxative Abuse

Laxative abuse is serious. The self-induced dehydration a laxative creates, they can also cause electrolyte imbalance, in turn jeopardizing the muscles of the body, including the heart.  Organ failure and death are not unheard of.

Laxative Abuse Varieties and Abuse

There are at least three specific ways that laxative use can become an issue for individuals:

The first way is through cutting. Granted, using what is often generically referred to as “baby laxatives” to cut any number of addictive substances, including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, is undoubtedly preferable to insecticides and other more lethal choices. It ensures the user’s body suffers from overuse of laxatives on top of all the other abuses it is destined to face via the addictive substance the laxative is used to cut.

Secondly, there are a variety of addictive substances, including methamphetamines and amphetamines, and certain painkillers that create constipation in the user. This habitual abuse and the resulting chronic constipation leads very easily to laxative abuse.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, is the fact that there is significant cross-over in abuse populations, specifically in reference to those with eating disorders. Comprehensive studies indicate that as much as 35 percent of those that abuse drugs and alcohol also tend to have eating disorders, as opposed to less than five percent of the overall population.  Some with eating disorders use laxatives to lose weight.  Obviously, among those with addictive personalities, those with eating disorders tend to be the prime candidates for becoming laxative abusers.

Laxative Abuse Can Be Very Dangerous, We Can Help!

While laxative use and abuse do not spring immediately to mind as a concern for rehab clients and the centers offering them treatment, it is nonetheless a valid one.  This addiction can quickly become a very serious health risk and should be treated immediately.  Call us today.