The impact of drug or alcohol addiction on an individual’s life is profound and severe.
If you’ve attempted to stop using drugs or alcohol but found yourself unable to do so, it’s important to recognize that this reflects addiction rather than personal weakness or a lack of determination. The longer substance abuse persists, the more severe the addiction and its consequences become. By seeking treatment early, you can minimize the harm and enable your body, mind, and spirit to recover.
Here are seven compelling reasons to reach out for help today.
1. Addiction Can Be Fatal
A person who has battled painkiller addiction stated, “You have two choices. Either you quit, or it kills you. That’s the reality.”
Statistics from the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reinforce this statement. Substance abuse is one of the top contributors to death and disability in the U.S., resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities each year:
- In 2022, there were 107,941 reported drug overdose deaths in the U.S. The deadliest drugs were synthetic opioids, which were involved in 73,838 deaths, followed by amphetamines/methamphetamines and cocaine, causing 34,022 and 27,569 deaths respectively.
- Overdose fatalities, which represent over a third of all accidental deaths in the U.S., have surged five-fold in the last 20 years due to the increased prevalence, strength, and lethality of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamines.
- Yearly, more than 178,000 Americans die from excessive alcohol consumption, mainly from long-term health complications such as cirrhosis, cancer, and heart disease.
- On average, individuals who die from alcohol-related causes lose 29 expected years of life.
- In 2020, 11,654 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents linked to alcohol-impaired drivers, making up 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.
Even if you are fortunate enough to avoid overdoses, accidents, or the chronic health issues tied to substance use, untreated addiction will still diminish the quality of your life over time.
2. Addiction Robs You of Happiness
When someone uses drugs, they may experience an extreme sense of pleasure, peace, connection, self-assurance, or energy that far exceeds their normal feelings of joy. This heightened feeling can be so intense that all other sources of happiness may feel inadequate, leading to a condition called anhedonia, where one struggles to find pleasure in life.
Romance, music, food, reading, sports, hobbies, and relationships may all start to feel unsatisfying if your body remains reliant on the euphoric effects of substances. Reclaiming genuine happiness and satisfaction can take significant time after overcoming addiction.
Additionally, conditions like anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues frequently co-occur with substance use disorder, emerging from shared risk factors, changes in brain chemistry due to prolonged substance use, or the aftereffects of addiction-related difficulties.
3. Addiction Is Costly
Regardless of the context, using substances comes at a high cost. When substance use evolves into a full-blown addiction, the daily and chronic consumption of drugs or alcohol results in substantial financial burdens for individuals and their families. These monetary issues, while often devastating on their own, are merely a part of the larger problem.
Given that various substances have distinct effects, they each introduce unique risks that lead to long-term expenses, which can include:
- medical expenses from substance-related emergencies or chronic health issues
- job loss or underemployment due to absenteeism or decreased performance from substance use
- legal costs stemming from arrests or DUI charges
- divorce costs and feelings of estrangement from loved ones
These financial burdens are a harsh reality. The annual economic cost of avoidable substance use is estimated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to exceed $249 billion for alcohol and $193 billion for illicit drugs. Substance use is also closely associated with issues like homelessness, bankruptcy, dependency on public assistance, and criminal activities.
4. Addiction Deteriorates Relationships
Watching a friend or family member engage in daily substance use can be heartbreaking, especially when it becomes evident that it is causing them harm. Many people struggle to understand why their loved one cannot simply stop, and even those who grasp the situation may find it challenging to remain supportive or safe.
Addiction is linked to dangerous behaviors, deceitfulness, breakdown of emotional connections, financial instability, domestic violence, and incarceration. These elements can lead to relationship deterioration, leaving individuals lonely and distanced during their struggle with addiction.
This highlights the importance of seeking help sooner rather than later, as doing so can strengthen your relationships and garner more love and emotional support from those around you as you navigate your recovery journey.
5. Addiction Negatively Affects Careers
Many individuals arrive at work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or they may revert to substance use immediately after their shifts. Being caught under the influence can significantly risk disciplinary action, including job loss.
Employers might discover substance use through random drug screenings, noticeable shifts in an employee’s behavior, or accidents occurring at work. The presence of substances, even those legally permitted in their area, can lead to serious professional consequences.
The ramifications of substance use on one’s career extend deeper; drugs and alcohol are known to impair cognitive abilities, creativity, focus, and job performance, which can lead to long-term damage affecting productivity and enthusiasm in the workplace.
6. Drugs & Alcohol Leave Physical Marks of Abuse
Even if you consume drugs or alcohol in private, the effects will manifest in your physical health and behavior, eventually prompting others to take notice.
The exact effects of substance use can vary significantly based on the specific substances involved and the methods of use. “Hard drugs” such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine are notorious for quickly damaging a person’s physical appearance and health. Users often experience premature aging, severe weight loss, significant dental issues (often referred to as “meth mouth”), and psychological problems like paranoid psychosis. The harm becomes even more pronounced when these substances are smoked, snorted, or injected.
On the other hand, “softer drugs” like alcohol, cannabis, and psychedelics also leave noticeable marks, affecting behaviors, skin condition, eye appearance, facial expressions, mood, sleep patterns, and daily habits over time. As the use of addictive and harmful substances continues, the negative effects on both appearance and well-being become increasingly severe.
7. Effective Treatment is Available
Many individuals who experience some form of substance use disorder do find a path to recovery, leading fulfilling and healthy lives. This includes those who may struggle to quit drugs or alcohol independently but take the courageous step to seek help.
Addiction rehabilitation programs offer various levels of care and customized treatment options. Your treatment team can tailor these options to fit your needs, equipping you with the support and tools necessary for sustained recovery. This could include specialized services such as medical detox for challenging withdrawal symptoms, medication-assisted treatments to ease cravings, dual diagnosis support for underlying mental health issues, and holistic approaches that promote overall physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
You might be surprised by the level of acceptance and support available for individuals in recovery. Although some stigma remains, many people have first-hand experiences with substance use disorders themselves or have seen loved ones struggle with addiction. Most are more than willing to support someone determined to pursue their recovery, share their victories, and navigate their challenges.