Taking the above into consideration, there is evidence to suggest that substance abuse can trigger mental health problems. And in cases where mental illness exists, addiction can worsen it. Research has shown that the most lasting consequences of addiction are depression and
anxiety.
Which brings us to the indirect effects of substance abuse – the impact it has on someone’s life, not because of the substances but because of how the addiction changes that person.
Dr. Erwin Lass details the stages of addiction and recovery in his article about substance abuse.
Here the importance of family support is underscored as vital to recovery. One of the main reasons for this, is that during the struggle with addiction the addict tends to make choices that are harmful or could even endanger their life. This then leads to the breakdown of relationships and leaves the addict isolated.
Some repercussions of bad decisions include criminal behaviour, promiscuity and unprotected sex, financial instability, and relationship problems. Along with this, it becomes increasingly difficult to hold down a job or if the addict is younger, keep up at school. As a result, addicts find
themselves jobless, out of school, with their whole lives falling apart around them.
And this is why it’s so important to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse. At ZwavelStream Clinic we have experts in the treatment and support for addiction, and the sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner you can get your life back on track.
