No matter the type of addiction an individual experiences, the cost of addiction is immense. A person pays for their addiction not only with money, but with their emotional health as well. Throughout the duration of an addiction, they may come to lose many things that are important to them.
The Cost of Addiction
- Emotional Cost
One of the most challenging things about addiction is the high emotional toll that it takes on the addict and those who are close to them. There are many reasons for this:
- Many drug users are very emotionally unstable. They may be in a good mood one day, but in a violent or aggressive mood the next day.
- Some drug users become completely apathetic and cannot communicate on an emotional level.
- Stimulant drugs such as methamphetamines can make people overly emotional. They may express or verbalize things to people that they do not honestly feel
The understanding and recognition of our emotions is incredibly important. If we do not acknowledge our feelings and learn how to deal with them, they don’t simply go away. Instead, they are ‘bottled up‘ and will inevitably rise to the surface and explode.
- Psychological Cost
Addictions can all cause psychological damage; the reason that all addictions can cause problems is because of the way that our brain responds to pleasure. When we experience something that we deem pleasurable, an area of our brain known as the mesolimbic reward pathway floods with dopamine. This is the “reward” that we receive for participating in a pleasurable activity.
- Financial Cost
The financial cost of addiction is one of the most apparent issues associated with drug addiction and is responsible for several other losses that drug addicts tend to experience. Some of the losses associated with the financial expenses involved in supporting an addiction can include:
- Losing a home or apartment
- Being unable to afford healthy food
- The inability to afford new clothes
The financial cost of addiction is a big reason that the stereotypical drug user exists – wearing dirty clothing, appearing unkempt, and being homeless. Although this is an extreme case, this is the reality for many people.
Orange County Drug Rehab
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
