Effects of Drug Abuse

Effects of Drug AbuseDrug abuse takes a major toll on both the lives of addicts and the lives of their loved ones. Not everyone takes drug use seriously and this is proven by the large number of people who use prescription and illicit drugs recreationally.  It is important that all Americans familiarize themselves with the effects of drug addiction and the role they play with them and their families. This can prevent drug use and encourage those in need to get treatment help that is available to them.

Lifestyle Effects of Drug Abuse

Individuals who are abusing drugs will find that their lives are truly turned upside down. A drug addiction causes the following effects to an individual’s lifestyle:

  • Relationship problems. It isn’t easy to live with someone who has an addiction, and this can be a major detriment to the relationships of addicts. Their spouses and their children are the people most affected by their addiction
  • Financial problems. When someone has an addiction, the need to satisfy it becomes the top priority. Money is no object, and addicts can put themselves into financial ruin
  • Job loss. Job loss contributes to financial problems as well, but it also signifies the inability of addicts to keep up with their responsibilities
  • Crime. Individuals who are using drugs are more likely to commit a crime, whether it is driving under the influence or committing robbery for money

In addition to the lifestyle effects of drug abuse which can be devastating, addicts also experience major health risks.

Health Effects of Drug Abuse

Health problems that addicts can experience do vary depending upon the particular addiction. However, there are some common health issues that individuals experience as side effects or withdrawal symptoms with many different drugs. For example:

  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle tremors
  • Seizures
  • Digestive problems
  • Heart attack or heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion

The above are just some of the short-term effects of drug use that individuals will experience and they can be symptoms of bigger, long-lasting issues.

Finding Addiction Help to Combat the Effects of Drug Abuse

California addiction treatment is available and can prevent individuals from experiencing all the above effects of addiction. Even those already experiencing addiction can greatly minimize the effects by stopping the abuse before it takes an even bigger toll. Call our toll-free number for more information on the options available.

Effects of Drug Abuse

Detox Info

Drug detox is an essential part of recovery as it is the step that breaks the physical addiction to a substance. It also happens to be the component of rehab that individuals worry about since it is said to be uncomfortable. While this is true, detox is a necessary part of the process that can …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Do I Need Drug Rehab?

Many California residents struggling with a drug addiction ask themselves, “Do I really need drug rehab?” The answer to this question can confirm an addict’s worst fears and even provide a last-ditch effort to avoid the truth. When you become addicted, rehab is necessary. Rehab takes many forms and addresses many different addiction situations. Recreational …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Does My Addiction Define Me?

When a California resident abuses a drug regularly, chemical changes happen in the reward pathway of the brain, resulting in addiction. Once addiction occurs, it becomes harder to stop using the drug. The brain has become accustomed to the substance and made adjustments so that, when the expected level of drug use isn’t there, a …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Drug Withdrawal

There is one major roadblock that many addicts experience when trying to stop their drug use and that is withdrawal. Drug withdrawal occurs because the body becomes dependent upon a drug that’s used consistently, and it suddenly has to adjust once it is no longer present. Drug withdrawal can hinder drug recovery because it is …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Effects of Long-Term Drug Use

All substance abuse is dangerous and risky, but long-term drug use is particularly damaging physically and psychologically. Fortunately there is real hope for lasting recovery for even the most hardened addicts. Any California resident can recover from her addiction, no matter how long it has endured. Long-Term Drug Use and Physical Health Over time drug …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

How Your Medical History Might Be Affecting Your Addiction

California residents with a family history of mental illness may be predisposed to addictive behaviors. Mental illness and drug addiction are both diseases of the brain. Both involve the same neural pathways, chemicals and molecules in the brain, and so tend to interact with each other. Knowing and understanding your family’s medical history can help …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Marijuana Drug Addiction

Marijuana is among the most highly abused drugs in the United States. It is considered a gateway drug and often breeds further drug use in those who have tried it. Marijuana is used by individuals as young as in the fifth grade, according to some statistics and a large majority of teens having tried marijuana …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Narcotics Withdrawal

Narcotic medications can have many benefits when they are used as prescribed, but those suffering from addiction can face many major challenges. Detoxing from a narcotic is the first step to recovery, but a successful recovery program involves treatment that goes far beyond the initial detox process. Thankfully, a stay at an inpatient rehab facility …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Staying Clean from Drugs

Getting clean from drugs is no small challenge. If it were easy to quit, drug addiction would not have such a deadly hold on many California residents. Just as some underestimate how difficult beating addiction will be initially, many overlook the challenge of staying clean after rehab. Recovery takes work, but it is extremely rewarding. …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Substance Abuse Treatment

Some of the most commonly abused substances in California include the following: Marijuana Alcohol Heroin Cocaine Crystal meth These substances are highly addictive, but the strength and speed of addiction vary according to the user. Why Does Substance Abuse Begin in California? Substances like marijuana and alcohol are abused most often as methods of stress …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

The Problems with Traditional Addiction Treatment

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than half of all people struggling with a drug addiction also suffer from a co-occurring mental health issue, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or an eating disorder. These individuals, referred to as dual diagnosis patients, can benefit less from traditional addiction treatment and have …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

Unemployment and Addiction

Unemployment and addiction often go together. Unemployment may be a result of addiction, as the addict fails to meet responsibilities, causes an accident or stops coming to work when scheduled. A history of addiction and continued addictive behavior can make it difficult to find a job, resulting in continued unemployment. Other indirect consequences of addiction, …

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Effects of Drug Abuse

What to Do If Your Friends Do Not Support Your Recovery

A lack of support from friends and loved ones can present a challenge to California residents who are seeking recovery from addiction. However, choosing to seek treatment is ultimately a personal decision about regaining control of your life. Once your friends see how a successful addiction treatment program can improve your life, they will be …

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