Long-term drug abuse can cause a wide range of physical and psychological problems. The downfalls of drug abuse often depend on the type of drug, the severity of the addiction, and how long the addiction has lasted. In addition, an overdose can cause severe side effects, which lead to terminal medical conditions or even fatality.
Although illicit drugs are responsible for health problems or mental disorders, the opioid epidemic and an increase in prescription medication have also contributed to the rise in medical emergencies and fatalities. As a result, the consequence of drug abuse affects people from all backgrounds, races, and genders. Addiction can happen to anyone.
What Are the Common Downfalls of Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse can affect several areas of a person’s life, including:
Health
The most immediate downfalls of drug abuse are the side effects it produces in the body. Excessive use can lead to heart attack, stroke, digestive problems, respiratory problems, organ failure, and terminal medical conditions. Furthermore, it can cause sudden death from an overdose.
While some health problems occur instantly, others progress over time. Long-term effects may include lung disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or hepatitis. In addition, it can reduce libido, motivation, or energy levels.
Brain Function & Mental Disorders
A person who continues to use drugs may experience both immediate and long-term mental disorders or cognitive impairment. In addition, they may develop a dependency on the drug, making it more difficult to quit. Mental disorders may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, or dementia.
Psychosis is also one of the most common downfalls of drug abuse. Extended use can alter how brain circuits work or hinder certain motor skills. It can impair a person’s ability to make rational decisions, concentrate, or control their emotions/actions.
Relationships
When a person enters rehab for an addiction, it is common for their family members to also seek treatment. The reason for this is because drug abuse affects the entire family, not just the person using the drug. Substance abuse can lead to poor communication, financial problems, physical or verbal abuse, neglect, and distrust.
As a result, the entire family must work through the problems and address issues that arise as a result of the addiction. They must also provide support for the addicted person as they go through the steps of recovery. Simply put, drug abuse takes a huge toll on any relationship within the family.
Finances
A person who has an addiction to drugs becomes fixated on the substance. This obsession often leads to draining the bank account time and again to support the habit. Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of financial problems that plague a household. In many instances, a person will run into financial problems within only a few months of using the drug.
Get Help for Drug Abuse Today
Northern Illinois Recovery Center offers a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction that includes detox, rehab, and aftercare. Treatments that we offer also include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Individual, group, and family therapy
Regardless of the downfalls of drug abuse, recovery is possible. To find out more about your treatment options for addiction, call us at 855.786.1978.
