It is not uncommon for individuals to feel dismayed when dealing with family members or close friends who are grappling with addiction. The prevalent stigma surrounding addiction originates partly from the belief that drug abuse or addiction is indicative of a lack of moral fibre. However, those who have loved ones suffering from addiction can develop understanding and compassion by acknowledging the intricacies of addiction and the various challenges related to recovery.
The Importance Of Willpower Beyond Mere Intentions
If someone struggles with addiction, it may not be enough to rely solely on willpower to avoid using drugs or alcohol. The altered brain chemistry caused by drug addiction can create an overpowering urge to use substances. With time, these neurological changes can become so intense that it is beyond the individual’s control to resist the urge to take drugs.
Drug abuse and addiction can affect the brain’s reward system by compromising it over time. Using opiates can cause individuals to experience pleasure, leading to the repeated seeking of a similar sensation. However, continued opiate use can negatively impact the brain’s production of its natural painkillers and dopamine, the feel-good chemical. Ultimately, those with addiction may become reliant on opioid drugs to feel good.
Addiction is typically not a standalone health issue, and it’s common for individuals with addiction to also suffer from a mental illness. In order to properly address this complex dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders are treated through a unique dual diagnosis program. Treating both conditions concurrently greatly enhances recovery outcomes while improving the individual’s mental and physical well-being. Continuous drug use might exacerbate the patient’s symptoms and complicate the treatment process, which makes reaching an accurate diagnosis crucial. Moreover, drug addiction has a profound impact on a patient’s health and well-being, leading to malnourishment, digestive disorders, brain damage, and other serious health complications – which is an especially distressing issue for family members.
The Adverse Effects of Drug Abuse on Society: An Informative Overview.
Apart from the physical and mental effects on the individual, drug and alcohol addiction often leads to negative social consequences. The person may exhibit behaviours that push away family and friends while resorting to theft and anti-social activities to maintain the addiction. Signs that a loved one may be dealing with addiction can include requesting loans or selling off prized possessions. In some cases, individuals may resort to stealing money, checks, or drugs from their family and others, leading to the possibility of getting arrested and thereby landing themselves in jail.
Given that drug possession and sales are illegal activities, it is not uncommon for people struggling with addiction to have a criminal record, which may have several adverse effects on their lives, including their family members. In particular, the negative consequences can have a ripple effect on various aspects of your loved one’s life. For example, if your child has been convicted of a drug charge, it can lead to many unfavourable outcomes such as:
The inability to qualify for student loans
Individuals who do not meet certain requirements may be disqualified from being able to receive assistance with housing and other necessities. “Various types of support services can present challenges for individuals attempting to fully reintegrate into society.” It is common knowledge that employers are often wary of hiring individuals who have either been charged or convicted of drug use. This is due to the high likelihood of relapses or resistance to treatment, which can make it challenging to reestablish stable networks. If you find it challenging to break free from your addiction, you may need professional help from an addiction therapist.
Discovering Assistance and Long-Term Wellness
Fortunately, our knowledge of addiction is advancing, allowing us to treat the individual as a whole through modern techniques. Rather than just addressing drug use, we focus on their physical and mental health, social well-being, and support system. Doing so creates a stronger foundation for enduring sobriety and successful reintegration into society.