Addiction
Facts about Addiction
Overview

Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a serious problem in our society today and affects the lives of many people. For an addict to turn their life around and embrace change, it is important to have necessary information regarding addiction and the available treatment options.

Some Effects of Addiction

Addiction impacts negatively on an individual's life. Below are some of the effects of abusing alcohol and other drugs:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family members
  • Poor work performance
  • Poor grades in school or collage
  • Perpetual money problems
  • Legal issues
  • Compromised immune system
  • Mental disorders

In addition to the above, excessive alcohol/ drugs consumption can produce a long list of health complications. Some of those problems include high blood pressure, kidney and liver damage, diabetes, heart disease, memory loss, certain cancers among others.

Signs of Addiction

A wide range of symptoms can indicate that an individual has an addiction. Some of them include:

  • Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school.
  • Using alcohol/ drugs in dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating machinery.
  • Experiencing ongoing legal troubles.
  • Continuing abuse of substance of choice despite strained relationships.
  • Using drugs to alleviate stress.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after temporarily ceasing use of the substance.
Withdrawal Symptoms

These include:

  • Trembling or shakiness
  • Jumpiness or anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Loss of Appetite

When a person feels that he or she must consume the drug of choice to feel “normal,” it is time to seek treatment.

Many of these individuals believe that because they continue going to work each day and keeping the bills paid, they aren’t addicts.

The truth is, these individuals are known as “functional addicts,” and they need professional treatment before they begin losing everything they love in life.