Substance Abuse can cause Depression

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Negative effects of drug and alcohol use on one’s life

Aside from medical conditions and terminal illnesses such as cancer or others that involve diseases of the body’s vital organs, there is no public health threat that is more serious on a global scale than substance abuse. In the US alone, there are roughly 40 million annually reported cases of serious illnesses associated with substance abuse as well as death due to overdose. It’s obvious that drug and alcohol use affects the individual emotionally, mentally, and physically, but there are other consequences involved as well.

What many individuals overlook when they are suffering from alcohol and drug addiction is that their families suffer as well from their compulsive behavior. Additionally, individuals who are wrapped up in their addictions run the risk of losing their jobs, having failed relationships, and encountering severe legal consequences as well. So substance abuse results in much more than just the physiological and psychological consequences. Let’s not forget the fact that there can also be spiritual issues involved as well for some individuals.

Long-term emotional effects

There are numerous drug rehab California facilities available today that treat all levels of substance abuse whether it is alcohol or drugs. The harsh reality is that the traditional facilities, or those that rely on the more conventional treatment methods and recovery therapies while addressing substance addiction with a one-size-fits-all approach with their clients. Unfortunately, these addiction treatment and recovery centers overlook the long-term emotional effects that result from substance abuse. One of the key side effects of alcohol and drug abuse is that depression results.

It is well known that depression is a common side effect and can progress to the point where the individual eventually becomes suicidal. Additionally, there are other long-term emotional effects that can result including black outs, confusion and disillusionment with one’s life, delusions, drug-induced psychosis, long-term or short-term memory loss, and paranoia. Along with suicidal tendencies, a person can display homicidal tendencies as well.

Ways to avoid this

For many individuals, it is difficult for them to identify when they truly have a problem with substance abuse. In many instances, the person is in denial or the addiction has progressed to the extent that the individual is no longer in control of their life. The alcohol or drug is in complete control and getting high becomes their sole reason for existing. For the addicted individual, the most difficult decision that they will have to make is recognizing that they have a problem and then outwardly admitting they do.

Today, there are a number of sober living California organizations and facilities that can help the addicted individual overcome their suffering. Additionally, if you live in the greater Los Angeles area, there are numerous Alcohol rehab Orange County facilities that are available to help you or a loved one. What you want to remember is that the longer you procrastinate, the more dangerous substance addiction becomes, not only to you but the people around you as well.


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