Drug addiction is a disease that can have a huge impact on individual and their loved ones. The long-term effects of addiction may be dangerous and damaging, but there is hope for recovery.
Drug addiction happens when a person has developed a tolerance to the drug and cannot feel good without it. Once addicted, the person will go to great lengths to continue using the substance in order to maintain their high despite the consequences on their life and health. This article will explore the long-term effects of addictions are.
Long Term Effects of an Addiction
Long-term effects of drug or alcohol addiction have allowed individuals to suffer from the complications of drug abuse. Among the most obvious problems include poisoning and physical deterioration caused by drug abuse, death coming from an overdose, and suicide. Beyond these immediate effects, some of the long-term effects are more subtle.
The first long-term effect of addiction is loss of self-control. When a person becomes addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other substance, their self-control begins to weaken. They may begin to make poor choices, such as stealing from the family, neglecting their child’s needs, and failing in school. These are typical consequences of addiction among adolescents. If an addicted person continues to make poor choices, they may lose their job, medical insurance, or their home.
The next long-term effect of addiction is a loss of the person they were. The same addiction that fuels the addict’s desire for more drugs or alcohol can also begin to rob them of their self-esteem and sense of worth as a person. They may experience a sense of loss of pleasure from social interaction and other aspects of life.
The third long-term effect of addiction is a fear of the likelihood will become addicted again. Each time an addict rationalizes continuing their drug use, they are breathing new air into their addiction. When they consider the possibility of further addictions, they may feel a sense of relief as if their addiction is finally over and they are truly free from drug abuse. This is a dangerous illusion and may set them up for another addiction.
The other long-term effect of addiction is addiction as a way of life. An addicted person becomes so accustomed to living with the problem that they do not even realize its presence in their life. The majority of the time, they are only conscious of their drug use when it is not readily available to them. When it is, an addict will use drugs in large amounts and for different purposes than intended.
Other long-term effects of addiction include withdrawal and rebound. A person who is withdrawing from drugs may experience cravings and anxiety while they are being weaned off the substance. For a time, the individual will have to face the reality of not using the drug, but it is necessary for them to regain their sanity. The symptoms of withdrawal are typically short-lived, but they can have significant emotional repercussions in the addicted person’s life.
The long-term effects of addiction have the potential to ruin lives and tear apart families and communities. When a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, they may suffer terrible consequences. If they do not stop their use, they may destroy their health, finances, and relationships that were once important to them. The only way to recover from addiction is to get help before it is too late. People who are in recovery can find peace as they learn how to live life without drugs or alcohol.
One of the most powerful long-term effects of addiction is to live a drug-free lifestyle. Once an addict has gone through a recovery program, they may struggle with cravings and temptation for years to come. Instead of being concerned about what drugs or alcohol do to them, they are free to concern themselves with the accomplishment of achieving a drug-free life. The addict does not have to worry about the potentially damaging effects of their drug use because the damaging effects have passed.
Other long-term effects of addiction are physical changes. A person’s health may be affected by heavy drug use for a long period of time. The user may suffer from liver damage, chronic lung disease, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, hepatitis, and other illnesses.
In conclusion, the long-term effects of addiction are varied and complex. However, with the proper treatment and support, addicts can begin the recovery process that ultimately leads to a drug-free life. To talk to a counselor who understands the long-term effects of addiction, call us today at 833-846-5669.