Effects of Drug Addiction

Addiction and substance abuse problems impact more than 10% of Americans ages 12 or older, making it one of the most common mental health disorders in the country. Drug overdoses are also the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, demonstrating the significant effects of addiction. Anyone, regardless of race, income, gender or background, is vulnerable to developing a substance abuse disorder because addiction doesn’t discriminate. The effects of drug addiction also impact countless families, leading for many to attend a family therapy program.

Addiction affects not only the user but also their friends, family and loved ones. Substance abuse problems can cause damage to relationships and are an often-cited reason for divorce. Addiction can cause increased conflict, financial problems, and trust issues among friends and family members, making it difficult to maintain normalcy when a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem.

Effects of Drug Addiction

Addiction is an incurable, chronic mental health disorder that causes you to compulsively seek out and use drugs and alcohol despite serious negative consequences or a strong desire to quit using. Addiction causes you to crave your substance of choice and deal with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes require medication assisted treatment, making it hard to quit on your own.

Addiction also causes you to spend the majority of your money on drugs and alcohol, which can cause depleted savings accounts, difficulty paying bills and significant debt.

Other effects of addiction include:

• Personal and relationship problems
• Medical and mental health issues
• Personality changes
• Employment and legal problems
• Increased interpersonal conflict
• Marital and custody problems

Effects of addiction can also lead to serious medical problems, such as liver damage or neurological issues. Some health problems caused by substance abuse are irreversible. The effects of drug addiction on family members is also significant, as it can cause increased fighting and conflict and negatively affect children.

How Addiction is Treated 

Addiction is a chronic condition, meaning that proper treatment provides you with the tools, resources, and education you need to manage symptoms throughout your life. Many substances are physically addicting, which means that you can experience severe and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. Withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to stop using without help.

Evidence-based and holistic treatments are utilized during treatment in order to help you learn to cope with triggers, cravings, and stress. Individual and group therapy helps you identify and change negative behaviors and thinking patterns. A family therapy program offers rehab treatment for all family members and can improve trust, understanding, and communication.

Treatment also provides you with the time and support you need to address the root causes of your addiction. Your treatment team can help you construct a strong relapse prevention plan to help you prepare for life following discharge.

Getting Help Today

The effects of drug addiction on individuals and families is significant. When you are struggling with an addiction or substance abuse problem, getting help is the best way to begin working towards recovery. Beaches Recover is a premier substance abuse treatment center that offers you the support, guidance, and understanding you need to recover. Call us today at 866.605.0532 to learn more about your treatment options.