Any type of drug or alcohol alters the normal functioning of a human being’s body. The chemical components in addictive substances influence the working of the brain. An individual that is addicted to alcohol, nicotine, or other dangerous drugs has been found to exhibit less focus on their personal and professional engagements.
Over a period, this takes a toll on the individual’s physical and mental health. It also ends up negatively affecting their relationships with family members, work colleagues, and close circle of friends. According to leading medical experts, addiction works on the principle of rewards. An addicted individual is likely to think about the rewards from the substance.
In this resource guide for 2021, we will list down some important reasons why addicted individuals should look to kick the habit. If you are someone that is looking to understand issues related to addiction, recovery, or detoxification, you can click on the link for more info on the topic.
Table of Contents
Addiction: What is it all about?
To understand addiction, it is essential to give up certain societal stigmas that dominate the discourse. According to medical experts, addiction to a substance (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, etc.) results in an individual becoming unable to stop consumption even when they know that consuming the same is dangerous for their physical and mental well-being.
Addiction fosters a level of dependence on substances and behaviors. The good news is that almost all forms of addiction are treatable. Recovering from an addiction requires taking help from experts in the field, getting enrolled in specialized treatment programs, and benefitting from mental health counseling and therapy.
The following are some of the major signs or symptoms of addiction in human beings-
- Being unable to exercise self-control and getting dominated by the addictive substance.
- Experiencing poor focus or concentration in studies or at the workplace.
- Exhibiting short-tempered behavior over people who call out the addiction problems.
- Always being drained in terms of body energy and witnessing lethargy at all times.
- Changes in appearance like weight gain/loss, aged skin, and lack of personal grooming.
An addicted individual gets terrified if they feel that they will not be able to get their next hit/dose or jab of the substance. This prevents their ability to seek help as they are aware of the dangers of withdrawal symptoms.
5 Harmful Effects of Addiction on an Individual’s Life
1. Physical Dangers of Addiction-
One of the most obvious fallouts of getting addicted is the physical strains on the body. Addictive substances whether in the form of alcohol, tobacco or any psychotropic drug are not healthy for the body.
Over a period, it starts affecting the normal functioning of the organs, influences brain chemistry, and leads to the onset of serious medical problems.
For example, getting addicted to alcohol can result in liver failure. Likewise, being a chain smoker can lead to the onset of lung cancer. This is why individuals should give up on their addictions.
2. Mental Health Dangers of Addiction-
We have already mentioned how addictive substances start altering brain functions. The chemical components of the substances start altering normal brain chemistry.
A patient of addiction is likely to suffer from episodes of anxiety, depression, and anger. This is one major reason why any recovery treatment, be it at a detox facility or a proper rehabilitation program always has mental health experts that can provide counseling and therapy.
People that consume show poor work performance, lose focus, and decline levels of concentration.
3. Family and Relationship Dangers of Addiction-
Most studies and researches on addiction have successfully documented the toll it takes on a patient’s family. Seeing someone you love struggle with addiction is a painful feeling.
There have been several reports that have pointed out how individuals that tend to hide their addiction problems start lying, leading to a breakdown of trust and communication.
This adversely affects the family’s dynamics and alters relationships. Some families tend to hide the problem as they feel it will bring shame and embarrassment. Others proactively support in seeking treatment.
4. Financial Dangers of Addiction-
Addictive substances do not come cheap. Their lure and attraction have led many to drain their financial resources. There are accounts of people draining their life’s savings, selling cars, houses, or even stealing to fund their addiction.
Many individuals do not think twice before stealing money from their homes and family members to ensure that they can pay for their next dose.
The treatment plans, especially at the best centers are also expensive. If you do not have insurance, you will likely end up spending a lot of money on the program.
5. Professional Dangers of Addiction-
In the opening sections of the article, we have stated how addictive substances reduce our level of focus and concentration on work-related issues.
If you have been consuming substances, and experience that you have been missing deadlines more often than not, maybe it’s time to step back and take stock of the situation.
Work cultures around the world do not take addiction in a positive light. If you are caught consuming at the workplace, you are likely to be asked to leave. This can also negatively affect your future employment opportunities.
Is Addiction Treatable?
The short answer is Yes!
Increasing engagements with addictive substances have led to ground-breaking researches that have put in motion treatment plans that work.
Recovering from addiction is a long-drawn process. It requires systematic intervention from the family or friend circle of the patient. An individual that is looking to overcome addiction needs to get help from experts.
The first step involves getting oneself checked into a detox facility. This needs to be followed by engaging with all the treatment plans, which include the use of both medications, as well as mental therapy. Finally, you need to start exercising, improve food habits and look after your overall health.
You need to understand that overcoming an addictive behavior that has been acquired over several years will not go away in a matter of a few weeks. Even when the treatment is over, individuals need to keep up their defenses in the form of support group sessions and one-on-one therapy.
Most experts point out that overcoming addiction means dealing with two significant challenges- Withdrawal and Relapse.
The Bottom Line
Addiction is a dangerous medical condition that affects every aspect of an individual’s life. Overcoming addiction might be difficult, but it will be able to help you get your life back on track. If you have any specific questions, and you need us to address addiction troubles, please let us know in the comments below. We would be more than happy to help you out.
