The Aftereffects of Substance Abuse

Addiction is a chronic disease that can affect every area of a person’s life and contribute to a variety of problems.

The aftereffects of substance abuse often involve financial struggles, health problems, poor mental health, and broken relationships. Even after receiving drug or alcohol addiction treatment, these problems may be difficult to rectify.

Side Effects of Drug Abuse

At our center for addiction treatment in Stuart, we know that long-term drug and alcohol abuse often cause long-term problems in the user. From physical to mental disorders, the harmful effects of substance abuse don’t discriminate. During an active addiction, a person may prioritize their habit over their loved ones, jobs, and their own health. A dependency takes over the person’s thoughts, causing them to look at their lives with tunnel vision. Below are some aftereffects of substance abuse.

Physical Problems

The most well-known effects of drug addictions are the physical ones. It’s no secret that drug and alcohol addiction can have a huge impact on physical health. Conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, kidney damage, liver damage, gastrointestinal damage, and organ failure are all linked to substance abuse. A person’s physical appearance can also be greatly affected by drug addiction. Especially with drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine, addicts’ faces begin to age rapidly and develop skin diseases. People with these addictions often pick at their skin, and experience dental problems, like meth mouth. While certain conditions may be treatable, not all are curable.

Mental Problems

Mental health and addiction are often linked. Many addicts either began using drugs in an attempt to cope with mental illness symptoms or developed a mental illness as a result of substance abuse. Many mental disorders have been linked to drug and alcohol abuse, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, and schizophrenia. These individuals often suffer from symptoms of a dual diagnosis. They may suffer from both the effects of their substance of choice and the symptoms of their mental disorder all at once. Without professional help, the person is at higher risk of suicidal behavior.

Financial Problems

Addiction and homelessness are unfortunately, another common duo. Drugs and alcohol affect the mind to the point where the person can’t function without using. They may begin to miss work and neglect to pay their bills, all while continuously feeling their addiction. An addiction is expensive, and often results in homelessness. If the individual shares a home with family, drug-related financial problems can lead to broken relationships.

Relationship Problems

Relationships with spouses, children, and family are often broken by addiction. The stress of witnessing a loved one struggling with drug abuse, financial problems, and abuse that often results from addiction can be enough to permanently cut ties. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t always recover from their lost relationships but can make amends for the hurt they caused.

If you or a loved one is battling with substance abuse, call Banyan Detox Stuart today at 888-280-4763 to begin your recovery journey.