People become addicted to drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. It may start as a way of getting through a social situation or dealing with stress. People find they need more and more of the substance to get through the day. It’s difficult for people to remove themselves from the dangers of substance abuse without receiving professional help.
What Causes Substance Abuse?
Peer pressure can play a significant role in starting someone down the path of a substance abuse disorder. Alternatively, many people also have an untreated mental health disorder. They use drugs and alcohol as a way of self-medicating their problems.
Behavioral changes are typically one of the first signs that someone may be dealing with the dangers of substance abuse. It can be challenging for friends and family to get a loved one to acknowledge they are in trouble and get help. Signs that they may struggle with a substance abuse disorder include:
- An inability to handle the responsibilities that come with school, or family
- Being unable to focus on tasks
- Signs of trembling and sweating
- A lack of interest in activities and hobbies that used to matter
- Spending most of their time seeking their substance of choice
- Problems with balance
- Slurred speech
- Poor sleeping habits
- Signs of agitation and paranoia
- Being unable to stop using their substance of choice despite the warning signs
People with a severe drug addiction usually undergo dramatic changes in their appearance. They may also develop poor hygiene and have an unhealthy appearance.
What Other Dangers Exist for Substance Abusers?
People in the throes of a severe drug habit often put themselves in dangerous situations. They may steal from loved ones or get involved in illegal activities to get money to feed their habit. That could lead to serious legal consequences, which could deprive them of their freedom for a long time.
Most substance abusers end up neglecting meaningful relationships in their life. That leads to feelings of isolation, which can drive them further into their addiction. They build up a tolerance to their substance of choice, which means they must take more to experience the same level of sensation. That puts them at risk of suffering an overdose that could lead to death.
Other Dangers of Substance Abuse
- Lack of financial resources
- Homelessness
- Loss of freedom
- Risk of injury or death because of risky behavior
Another of the dangers of substance abuse is the changes caused to the brain. Ongoing substance abuse alters brain chemistry and eventually eats away at vital portions that control body functions and reasoning. It becomes impossible for people to function without getting their daily fix. Without treatment, a loved one may eventually develop irreversible brain damage.
Fight Back Against the Dangers of Substance Abuse
The Right Step helps people looking to free themselves from a substance abuse disorder. We offer a variety of services, including a detox program, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment program, and an aftercare program to support your recovery outside of treatment.
Learn more about The Right Step and the programs and treatments we offer by calling us at 17135283709.
