A chronic and degenerative mental disorder, drug addiction might easily be one of the most easily preventable illnesses on our entire planet, and, ironically, it is also one of the most widespread and the most common. Often regarded as a brain disorder (due to its severe impact on neural pathways and receptors), this illness stems from problems in neural centers that involves self-control, rewards, fulfillment, and consistency. In fact, you could easily compare drug addiction to heart disease, as both illnesses can produce harmful effects on organs and systems. So why do people take harmful drugs? Perhaps they want to cope with the loss of a friend or loved one, or maybe they are simply curious about the darker sides of life. Let’s take a closer look at the severe health, behavioral, and social impacts of drug addiction.
Health Problems
People who abuse drugs or became addicted to these substances are putting themselves at risk for a variety of health concerns, which can range from physical to mental issues. As an example, long-term users of crystal meth will develop a condition called “meth mouth,” where their teeth start to rot as a result of exposure to the drug. Likewise, drugs like inhalants can destroy nerves in the peripheral nervous system and the brain. Even more disturbing, long-term use of dirty needles can lead to the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Mental Health Issues
Oftentimes, drug addicts will sometimes suffer from comorbidity, a case where drug addiction and other mental disorders emerge simultaneously. Sometimes, severe problems like schizophrenia and depression can emerge prior to addiction troubles, while addiction itself may actually trigger symptoms of these terrible behavioral problems. Research has also revealed that victims who suffer from mental problems will use drugs in an effort to self-medicate their conditions.
Hurting Others
Besides themselves, addicts are also fully capable of hurting friends, loved ones, or anyone else who happens to be around them at the time they use a substance. Some severe repercussions of drug addiction include:
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome: when an infant is affected by drugs in utero due to the mother’s use of drugs while pregnant
- Secondhand smoke: the byproduct of tobacco cigarettes and marijuana joints which can induce lung cancer and breathing problems
- Infectious diseases: transmission of deadly viruses like HIV/AIDs and hepatitis C
- Risk-taking: driving under the influence of drugs like marijuana or alcohol
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
