Substance Abuse

The Victims Are You and Your Family

Drug or alcohol addiction is a medical issue that can cripple anyone from any background. It has as many causes as there are addicts who come from all walks of life. Finding the right type of substance abuse treatment is vital to help a person overcome addiction.

Substance abuse affects individuals in different ways and to different extremes. Some people don’t even realize they are addicted, while others are ashamed to find themselves in an uncontrollable situation.

But addiction always wins. It is a physical prison where escape is nearly impossible without professional guidance. Those who say drug abuse is a victimless crime don’t understand the harm it causes both drug and alcohol abusers and their families.

If you recognize the signs of alcohol abuse or dependence in yourself or in a friend or loved one, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. No one can force another person into treatment, but having a loyal support system is a very important asset. Professional, compassionate counselors are standing by to help.

Addiction Destroys Lives and Families in 5 Ways

Even though many people do not recognize the symptoms and effects of abuse and addiction, they are well known and easy to see if you know what to look for:

Social
Addicts and alcoholics often restrict their activities and circle of friends; neglect personal responsibilities; lie about their drinking or drug use; and place themselves in dangerous situations, such as driving while intoxicated. Some addicts don’t use every day, but when they do use, they can’t control themselves. Many addicts are ashamed of their addiction and compulsively hide their drug-related activities.

Emotional
Many addicts isolate themselves from friends and family and, if confronted, deny their problem. Increasingly, an addict’s entire life revolves around getting drunk or high. Nothing else matters. Sometimes, family members can easily recognize the source of the addict’s problems, but this is not always the case. Some drugs have no outward side effects, odors, or other signs of their abuse.

Financial
Drug addicts and alcoholics spend significantly on their addictions, and as the addiction gets worse, they become increasingly unreliable, often losing their jobs, facing legal and credit problems, and sinking into poverty. Typically, as social, emotional, and financial problems increase, the drug or alcohol abuse increases.

Psychological
All drugs affect the brain, and long-term drug and alcohol abuse changes the way an addict’s brain works. Addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, and many other personality and psychological disorders. Without treatment, many addicts and alcoholics become suicidal.

Physical
Drug addicts and alcoholics are often malnourished, which contributes to the specific health problems caused by their addictions themselves. Some drugs can cause instant death, while other may take years to kill. Many addicts have increased risks for liver and gastrointestinal problems, tooth decay, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, HIV infection, hepatitis, brain damage, and death.

The side effects of abuse define the problem, not the amount of using or drinking, the time spent using or drinking, or the intent of the user or drinker.

Professional Treatment Is the Best Way to Cure Substance Abuse Addiction

Breaking any substance abuse addiction is difficult and people often fail many times before succeeding. Addicts who go through numerous detox attempts are particularly vulnerable to more severe side effects during subsequent detox attempts. It’s better to succeed the first time, and seeking professional treatment can significantly increase the chances of success.

But no recovery is likely unless you call for help. If you know someone suffering from these side effects, or you need help yourself, call our toll-free number immediately, and we will connect you to a nationwide network of effective treatment programs