Addiction has many dangerous long-term effects, especially if a person has struggled with substance use for an extended period of time. Years of drug and alcohol use can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It also causes irreparable harm to relationships with friends and family and can lead to economic and legal problems.
At Evoke Coconut Creek, our professional treatment programs can help you or a loved one regain a life of meaningful sobriety. Learning about the long-term effects of addiction can help educate and discourage others from falling into the cycle of addiction. Call 866.693.3871 to learn more.
Physical Side Effects of Long-Term Addiction
Addiction can affect multiple parts of the body in various ways. Numerous adverse physical effects can occur, and they can be permanent, especially if the substance use continues. The physical side effects most commonly associated with long-term substance use are:
- Organ damage: Liver, kidney, and lung damage are all common in individuals who struggle with addiction. These organs work hard to filter out toxins; over time, they become damaged from the strain.
- Cancer: Certain substances are linked with an increased risk of developing cancer. For example, smoking tobacco or using other drugs that are inhaled can damage the lungs and lead to cancer.
- Brain damage: Long-term substance abuse alters the brain’s chemistry and how it functions. This can lead to memory problems, difficulties with decision-making, and impaired motor skills.
Mental Side Effects of Long-Term Addiction
People who suffer from addiction often also experience mental health problems. In some cases, the substance use is a way to self-medicate and cope with an underlying mental health disorder. In other instances, the addiction itself causes mental health issues. Some of the most common mental side effects associated with long-term addiction are:
- Anxiety: People who suffer from addiction often experience high levels of anxiety. This can be due to the harmful substances they are using, the withdrawal symptoms they experience, or other factors.
- Depression: Depression is another common mental health issue that often co-occurs with addiction. Depression can be caused by the addiction itself or by other factors such as financial problems or social isolation.
- Psychosis: Long-term substance abuse can lead to psychosis, which is a mental health condition characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Psychosis can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the addiction.
Relationship Problems Caused By Addiction
The long-term effects of addiction are not limited to physical and mental health problems. Addiction can also cause irreparable damage to relationships with friends and family. Some of the ways addiction can affect relationships include:
- Isolation: People who suffer from addiction often isolate themselves from their loved ones. They may stop talking to friends and family or participating in activities they used to enjoy.
- Conflict: Addiction can cause conflict within relationships. This is often due to disagreements about the addiction itself or other problems that have arisen due to the addiction.
- Financial problems: Addiction can lead to financial problems for both the individual suffering from addiction and their loved ones. This is often due to the high cost of drugs and alcohol, as well as the loss of income that can occur as a result of addiction.
Long-Term Effects of Addiction on Society
The long-term effects of addiction are not limited to the individual suffering from the addiction. Addiction can also have a negative impact on society as a whole. Some of the ways addiction can affect society include:
- Increased crime: People who suffer from addiction are more likely to commit crimes, either to get money to buy drugs or because of the effects of the drugs themselves.
- Increased health care costs: Addiction can lead to increased health care costs for both the individual and society as a whole. This is due to the increased risk of health problems associated with addiction.
- Lost productivity: Addiction can lead to lost productivity in both the workplace and in society as a whole. This is because people who suffer from addiction are often unable to work or participate in society.
As you can see, the long-term effects of addiction are far-reaching and can have a profound impact on the individual and society.
Lasting Recovery from Drug Abuse
At Evoke Coconut Creek, we understand how challenging the recovery process can be. Recovery is a journey and not a destination. Our programs help people overcome addiction and mental health issues by assisting them in changing their lifestyles. We have a team of compassionate and understanding professionals who are invested in your success.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to seek help from a reputable treatment center like Evoke Coconut Creek. Call 866.693.3871 or contact us online to get started on a life of recovery.
