Drugs and Alcohol Use
Simply put, the job of the kidneys is to filter impurities from your blood. Your body works hard to filter “bad” materials, such as drugs, from your blood. This means that if you have harmful drugs or chemicals in your bloodstream, many of these poisons will travel through your kidneys.
Your kidneys will work hard to take these poisons out of your blood and pass them on to the bladder to be excreted. Your kidneys are tough, but not invincible.
The more drugs you use, the more exposure your kidneys will have to poisons. Even prescription and over-the-counter medications can be harmful if too many are taken. (Click here for more information on medications.)
You might end up with immediate and temporary kidney failure, or your kidneys could be silently and slowly damaged over years, ending in permanent (chronic) kidney failure. Kidney failure can not be reversed.
The best way to maintain kidney function is to prevent damage in the first place. Cutting out unneccessary medication is a good place to start.
Moderation is the key to drinking alcohol. Even a healthy person who drinks too much alcohol can develop heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease, in addition to many other medical problems.
Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, which could cause problems with remembering to take medications or follow diet guidelines. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Some prescription medications can really affect your ability to see or think clearly. Read your prescription bottles and talk to your pharmacist about whether you should drive under the influence of any medications you are prescribed.
Discussing your alcohol intake, as well as what drugs or medicines you are taking, with your physician will help you decide what is level is appropriate for your health and your kidneys’ well-being.
Potential Drugs of Abuse
• Pain relievers
• Amphetamines
• Lithium
• Illegal or "street drugs" (heroin, crack, crystal meth)
The people at greatest risk for drug-induced kidney failure have previous heart, liver, or kidney problems. These people should be carefully monitored by a physician when taking any medications.
"Street drug" users are also at great risk, because you do not know what you are getting when you use illegal drugs. You put your physical safety at great risk when engaged in illegal drug use.
If you feel like you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, talk to your doctor or a trusted professional. Help is available and you are not alone.
Remember, kidney failure can be a slow and silent process. People with chronic health conditions (including mental health conditions, arthritis, chronic pain, severe headaches, etc.) tend to take more prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Excessive use may cause kidney failure or damage.
Since the misuse of laxatives and diet pills can cause kidney damage, people who suffer from eating disorders are at great risk since abusing these types of medication is common in that population.