If you’ve ever been in a relationship, or perhaps even just had a friend, who struggles with drug abuse, then you know how life-threatening it can be. You see, drug addiction is not just about making bad choices and experimenting with things you shouldn’t. It goes much deeper than that. The CDC reports that around 22 million Americans struggle with substance abuse on a regular basis. Many of these people are not able to get the help they need. This is why more than half of all individuals who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse end up dying as a result of it. If this sounds like something you might be struggling with, please keep reading for some helpful information about what drug addiction is and the damage it does to your body if you continue using drugs.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a condition in which a person compulsively uses a substance, such as a drug or alcohol, despite harmful consequences. Addictive substances are any chemicals that change brain function, causing distortions in thinking, mood, and behavior. The most commonly abused drugs in the United States are opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Substance abuse can lead to addiction and an increased risk of health problems and death. Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use, and loss of control over drug use. Addiction is a medical disorder that impacts the brain and changes the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Most people who have a substance use disorder also have a co-existing mental health disorder.
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The Brain and Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a brain disorder that begins with the voluntary decision to use drugs. As the person continues to use the drugs, however, his or her brain changes, which leads to the compulsive use of drugs (despite the negative consequences) that is characteristic of a substance use disorder. The continued use of drugs triggers changes in the person’s brain, which leads to an altered state of consciousness. These changes in the brain occur in two main areas: The limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. The limbic system is a group of brain structures that regulate emotion, memory, and other functions that are essential to our survival. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and regulating emotions. The prefrontal cortex is also responsible for what we call “executive functions,” such as attention, problem-solving, and self-awareness.
The Damage Accumulated by Drug Usage
The harm that is done as a result of drug abuse is not only physical. It also affects your mental health. The longer you abuse drugs, the more damage you will sustain. You will have a harder time functioning on a daily basis, and you will be susceptible to infection and disease. Drug abuse has a negative effect on the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for our feelings of pleasure. When you abuse drugs, your brain produces less dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to the reward system. When this happens, you will feel depressed and have very little motivation to do anything. Drug abuse can also lead to a decrease in your ability to concentrate, as well as an inability to properly control your emotions. You may also find that you are easily distracted, forgetful, and unable to solve problems.
Long-Term Effects of Drug Abuse
Health problems - Long-term drug abuse can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, and kidney disease. Drug-related death - Most drug-related deaths are caused by overdosing on the drug. Many people die from an accidental overdose because they don't know what a safe amount of drug is for them. Others die from an intentional overdose. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are at the highest risk for drug-related death. Drug use during Pregnancy - Drug use during pregnancy can lead to many complications for the mother, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS can cause a baby to go through painful withdrawal symptoms after he or she is born. Drug Arrest - If you continue to abuse drugs, you will likely be arrested. This can damage your reputation and make it harder to find a job. Drug Use Becomes Your Priority - Drug use can make you neglect your responsibilities, such as attending school or work.
Why You Should Get Out of Drug Addiction Right Now
If you are addicted to drugs, you need to seek treatment right away. If you don't, you will likely experience the following: - Your health will decline- Your work and relationships will suffer- You will spend a lot of money- You will feel shame and guilt- You will feel depressed and anxious If you continue to abuse drugs, you are at risk for contracting an infectious disease, such as HIV or hepatitis C, or a life-threatening condition like an overdose. You will also have a much harder time getting and keeping a job, making friends, and maintaining healthy relationships with family members. If you are struggling with drug abuse, do not wait another day to seek help.
How do drug addicts behave?
The addiction is one of the most difficult things to overcome and even harder to diagnose. This is partly because it's often confused with dependency on food, or other substances. The truth is that the brain of a drug addict looks different than you would expect. His emotional and thinking processes are so distorted by drugs that he becomes a completely different person. I have seen people who remain treatable but these types can be hard to deal with. Some have found true salvation from "The Enemy", some have simply relapsed into their old patterns, some still struggle and are at a higher risk of relapse as they try more drugs or "medicate" themselves more aggressively (which includes dangerous combinations of pills). We don't know what causes an addict to use in the first place but we do know about how addiction works physiologically and psychologically.
Addiction is a disease, and as such, it can affect your finances.
How drugs can affect your finances
When you're addicted to drugs, you may have trouble keeping up with your bills or saving money for the future. Because of this, many addicts get into debt trying to support their habit.
One of the biggest ways that addiction affects your finances is by preventing you from paying bills on time. Some people who are addicted are so preoccupied with getting their next hit that they forget to pay their rent or utility bills. It's not uncommon for addicts to lose their jobs because they can't keep working while they're high or hungover after a night out drinking with friends or family members.
The consequences of addiction
When people are addicted to drugs, they don't think about anything else but getting their next high. This means that they often don't prepare themselves financially for the future — when they get sober and start making responsible decisions again, they're shocked by how much money has gone missing from their bank accounts over time because of drug abuse.
Why people choose addiction treatment or rehab?
The reasons why people seek rehab vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the addiction
Conclusion
If you are addicted to drugs, you need to get help right away. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more damage you will incur, both mentally and physically. Drug addiction is a serious and dangerous condition that will take a significant amount of time and effort to overcome. If you are struggling with drug abuse, do not wait another day to seek help. You can overcome addiction with time and effort.
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