Knowing What Drugs Cause Bags Under Eyes and Finding Help for Addiction Recovery

Are you struggling with persistent puffiness or dark circles under your eyes? 

Certain drugs or medications you’re taking may be the culprit. 

Uncover the connection between drugs and your appearance to take control of your skincare health. This article explores what drugs cause bags under eyes, the reasons for their effects, and how the compassionate professionals at Dove Recovery can help with substance abuse treatment. 

Table of Contents

• Understanding Periorbital Edema — AKA Bags Under the Eyes
• What Drugs Make You Have Bags Under Your Eyes? 
• Does Alcohol Cause Bags Under Your Eyes?
• Non-Drug or Alcohol-Related Causes of Bags Under the Eyes
• Can Bags Under the Eyes Be a Sign of a Substance Abuse Disorder?
• Dove Recovery: Providing Compassionate Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Addiction Treatment Programs in Columbus, Ohio

Periorbital edema, more commonly known as eye bags, refers to under-eye swelling or puffiness. It’s often characterized by mild to moderate swelling and sagging of the skin in the lower eyelid area. 

You may experience periorbital edema for many reasons, including: 

• Aging: The natural aging process can contribute to the development of eye bags. Skin loses elasticity and facial muscles weaken, causing the fat pads beneath the eyes to protrude.
• Genetics: If your parents or other family members have eye bags, you may be more susceptible to developing them.
• Fluid retention: Factors like allergies, hormonal changes, and sinus problems can lead to fluid accumulation in the under-eye area.
• Lack of sleep: If you’re not sleeping well at night, fluid can accumulate under your eyes, making eye bags more prominent. Lack of sleep can also lead to paler skin, making eye bags appear more pronounced.
• Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt sleep patterns, affect fluid balance in your body, and lead to overall fatigue.
• Drug use: Both street drugs and some prescription medications may cause periorbital edema.

How Drugs May Contribute To Under-Eye Bags

The ways drugs contribute to the development of eye bags can vary from drug to drug, but may include: 

• Fluid retention
• Swelling
• Sleeplessness
• Poor health
• Poor nutrition
• Inflammation 

Are you looking for treatment options for a loved one? You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to Dove Recovery today to learn more about ways you can support loved ones on their path to recovery. 

Many drugs can cause bags under the eyes, including: 

• Stimulants
• Depressants
• Prescription drugs; and 
• Alcohol 

Stimulants 

Stimulants are a category of drugs that include: 

• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Methamphetamine; and
• MDMA

They’re known for their ability to boost alertness and energy levels and can have a significant effect on the appearance of under-eye bags. Stimulants activate the central nervous system, leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate, disrupting normal sleep patterns, and resulting in sleep deprivation and eye bags.

Depressants

Drugs that fall into the category of depressants include: 

• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Opioids; and 
• Some types of antidepressants 

While they have a calming effect on the central nervous system, they can disrupt your normal sleep patterns and keep you from getting quality sleep.

Depressants can cause blood vessel constriction and impaired circulation — leading to fluid accumulation and the formation of under-eye bags. 

Prescription Drugs

Not all prescription drugs cause bags under the eyes, but a few may, including:

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Corticosteroids
• Antihistamines
• Beta Blockers
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

This list isn’t an exhaustive list, so please consult your healthcare professional for advice regarding your specific prescription medications. 

Some prescription drugs may cause fluid retention, particularly in the face, that can result in eye swelling and puffiness. Others may affect your blood vessels, causing them to dilate or leak, contributing to under-eye bags.

It can. 

When you drink alcohol, your body quickly absorbs it into your bloodstream and is distributed throughout your body. Alcohol consumption can result in dehydration, disrupt your normal sleep patterns, impair your liver function, and compromise your immune system — all of which can lead to the appearance of eye bags.

If you or someone you love is experiencing alcohol-related health issues or struggling with alcohol addiction, Dove Recovery can help. Contact our team to learn more. 

Substance abuse isn’t the only reason for bags under the eyes. Other factors that may cause under-eye bags include: 

• Dehydration
• Genetics
• Allergies
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet
• Smoking

Yes, bags under the eyes can be a sign of some kinds of substance abuse. 

However, there are other more common signs of substance abuse in addition to swollen eyes, including: 

• Reduced sense of pain
• Agitation, drowsiness, or sedation
• Slurred speech
• Problems with attention and memory
• Pupils that are smaller than usual
• Lack of awareness or inattention to surrounding people and things

Dove Recovery offers a variety of luxury outpatient treatment programs. Located in Columbus, Ohio, we tailor our programs to each individual’s specific needs to create an optimal environment for healing. 

Our treatment options include: 

• Intensive outpatient programs
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Outpatient programs
• Counseling/therapy
• Ambulatory detoxes

Dove’s experienced, compassionate, and helpful staff is available to help find the best program for your needs. 

Contact Dove Recovery today to find out more.