Addiction can develop fast. There really is no specific time table. It may take awhile for one person to develop one while it can take a very short time for another.
Regardless, it can change your life for the worse. This guide will go over the seven dangers you need to know about. Absolute Awakenings knows that you can get the help you need in case you are dealing with addiction or drug abuse.
For more information, visit their website. Now, let’s begin by going over the seven dangers that are associated with addiction.
It can affect your physical health in so many ways
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It’s no secret that drugs can affect one’s physical health. Especially when they are in the stage of addiction. Not only that, short-term and long-term damage can apply depending on how long someone may be addicted to drugs.
For example, the brain will be affected by addiction. This can lead to instances of anxiety and depression. Some drugs may cause psychosis (either as a long-term effect or withdrawal symptom).
We will talk about mental health momentarily. For now, let’s focus on the other ways it can affect your physical health. Stimulants like cocaine and meth can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise.
It can get to the point where it can cause heart attack or stroke, both of which can be fatal. Opioids are notorious for slowing down breathing. Just enough can cause the oxygen supply to be cut off from your body, eventually causing death.
A weakened immune system is also common for those dealing with addiction. This means they will have an increased chance of dealing with illnesses and infections. Organ damage is also common due to long-term use.
Your mental health can also be an issue
Many people mistake drugs being a cause for mental illness. When in reality, some of these symptoms may either be: a stand-alone effect from drug use or the exacerbation of existing mental health issues. Undiagnosed mental illness will likely pre-exist an addiction.
This is what can be known as a dual diagnosis. You can be diagnosed with an addiction and a mental disorder at the same time. When this happens, you will need to be treated for both (not one or the other).
The good news is that there are plenty of inpatient facilities that will focus on both treatment plans. It’s important that you handle both your addiction and mental disorders at the same time. Addiction can make managing mental health symptoms difficult.
While most addicts may have a mental illness, not everyone with a mental illness is an addict. Many may turn to drugs in an effort to deal with symptoms of their disorder. However, this may be one of the most dangerous approaches outside of the usual therapy and medication.
Addiction can also get to a point where the risk of suicide can increase. Such mental illnesses like depression have been linked to suicide. Someone who may be on certain drugs won’t be in the right frame of mind or awareness in terms of their actions.
It can affect your relationships, personal and professional
Addiction can hurt personal and professional relationships. For the person dealing with it, they might not be communicating properly. Or they may feel emotionally distant to the people important to them.
There may also be trust issues that exist. One such case is that someone may be stealing items or money to satisfy their addiction. It might get to a point where medication might be stolen (such as prescription opioids).
You might not be interested in interacting with personal friends or family members. The same may apply with your co-workers and superiors at work. Such behavior can even lead to your termination of employment.
It can cause financial troubles
Drugs cost money. To an addict, they will spend whatever they have to satisfy their habit. For this reason, it can lead to financial troubles down the road.
This can include increased debt, missed payments that lead to repossession, and even being evicted from your housing (ultimately leading to homelessness).
Some may even get desperate and commit acts of theft. A person may steal from friends, family members, co-workers, or complete strangers. They may have lost their job due to their addiction, thus making it a challenge to meet their financial obligations.
Job loss can occur
As mentioned in the previous two points, you may lose your job due to addiction. This can be a combination of your behavioral issues towards co-workers and superiors. At the same time, you may also be making a habit of arriving late for work.
You may also miss work altogether. Either way, your addiction can be your downfall. You may lose your job quickly.
Getting a new one may not be as easy. However, if you get the help you need, you will learn how to turn your life around for the better.
Legal issues may arise
Indeed, legal issues can arise due to addiction. You may be dealing with charges of theft, driving under the influence, or other drug-related offenses. Criminal penalties may depend on the crimes you have committed (and how often).
It will also depend on the legal jurisdiction. This can lead to a criminal record, which can make life challenging. Especially for employment prospects in the future.
It affects overall quality of life
Addiction will have a negative impact on your overall quality of life. It can get to a point where it will have control over it with every waking moment of your life. Instead of spending time with family or on the things you live, you’ll be in a haze.
At some point, your next hit will be your last. You will be dealing with the fatal consequences of your addiction. Your family will wonder what could have been if you got the help you need.
Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. So be sure to get the help you need to beat your addiction as soon as possible.
