What defines drug and alcohol abuse is a person’s continual excessive use of these substances regardless of the consequences. Even when it is apparent that the user’s life, health, finances, job, and relationships are in decline, they have lost the inability to end their addiction. It is only a matter of time before they need help at an addiction treatment center in Illinois, such as Northern Illinois Recovery Center.
Addiction treatment centers offer a variety of evidence-based and holistic treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction therapy services can help a person avoid the consequences of addiction before it is too late. Let’s take a closer look below at the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse so that you know what to expect.
Addiction
Substances such as drugs and alcohol alter brain function and impact the central nervous system. This type of impact can lead to ongoing use, as the substances typically produce pleasurable results. Over time, a person may develop a pattern to the point where they are obsessed with the substance and cannot stop using it.
Eventually, addiction turns into full-blown dependency. Regardless of how many times a person tries to quit, they experience severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings that pull them back into the addiction. From there, other problems arise that are associate with the problem.
Conflicts in Relationship
Drug and alcohol abuse rarely affects the user only. Their abusive behavior can cause conflict between them and coworkers, classmates, neighbors, family, or friends. Conflicts often lead to emotional or physical wounds and create a rift in these relationships.
The user eventually loses their closest relationship, isolating themselves from others as they prioritize the addiction. A family therapy program is designed to help each member of the family recover from the addiction. A family that was once torn apart by the addiction can now grow and health together, as they learn about ways to become closer.
Psychological and Physical Symptoms
Addiction is a progressive disease. As time passes, the physical and psychological symptoms start to take their toll, causing the body and mind to go into a steady decline. Some of the most common symptoms of substance abuse include:
- Neurological issues
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Respiratory problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Cardiovascular problems
- Diminished immune system
Problems at Work
Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse can affect the stability of your career in several ways. For instance, your professional image can be scarred if coworkers, clients, or business partners perceive that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Constant drinking or using illicit drugs can affect your job performance, making you unreliable.
Some companies have strict rules regarding drug or alcohol use due to safety issues. You could lose your job if your employer feels that you are a safety risk. One DUI could ruin your career if you are a professional driver. Once you lose a job as a result of addiction, it is an uphill climb to reestablish your professional reputation.
You May Lose Everything
Addiction is not a matter of willpower. Many people in recovery often admit that they are powerless to stop and need professional help. This is why an addicted person will lose everything – their family, job, finances, health, and reputation before they finally do something about the problem.
The most devastating thing about alcohol and drug abuse is that it can destroy a person’s life completely. They will hit rock bottom and wonder what happened to their lives.
Get Help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
If you are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, help is available at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. Learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs by calling Northern Illinois Recovery Center at 855.786.1978. You can get the treatment you need for a lifelong recovery from addiction.
