How Bad is Drug Addiction?

It goes without saying that drug addiction can have severe consequences on an individual’s life. After all, it’s not just a matter of willpower or a lack of moral principles, but rather a complex condition that requires professional treatment. But how bad is it exactly?

Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD) can cause changes in the brain that persist over time. It is considered a chronic, relapsing disorder marked by a person’s inability to control their use of a substance.

The repeated use of drugs can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function, affecting the person’s ability to make sound decisions and regulate their own behavior. Over time, tolerance develops and more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effects.

The impact of drug addiction can be seen in the lives of countless families around the US. For example, the opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on communities across the country. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 130 people die every day from opioid-related drug overdoses.

The over-prescription of opioid painkillers has led to widespread addiction, with many people turning to heroin and other illicit drugs when their prescriptions run out. This epidemic has resulted in countless lives lost and families torn apart.

In fact, the number of people who died from a drug overdose in 2021 was over six times the number in 1999. From 2020 to 2021, the number of drug overdose deaths increased more than 16%. [1]

Here are some of the worst effects of drug addiction on an individual as well as the people around them.

Physical Health Effects

Drug addiction can profoundly impact physical health in various ways. The effects will vary depending on the substance abused, frequency of use, and other individual health factors.

Some examples of short-term effects of drug abuse include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, heart attack, stroke, slowed breathing, seizures, and coma. [2]

Long-term effects may also vary. Certain drugs, like cocaine or methamphetamine, can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular problems.

Smoking drugs like tobacco or marijuana can lead to respiratory issues, including chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and decreased lung function. Opioid abuse can cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Drugs like alcohol and certain opioids can damage the liver, leading to conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. Addiction can also cause gastrointestinal problems. Chronic drug use, particularly opioids, can lead to constipation, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Prolonged drug use can even weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

There are even certain drugs like methamphetamine and crack cocaine that can cause severe dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Seeking help through rehabilitation programs and medical assistance is crucial to address the physical aspects of drug addiction and to mitigate potential long-term health consequences. Just keep in mind that drug addiction doesn’t just affect your body but also your mind.

Mental Health Effects

Drug addiction impacts your mental health just as much as it affects your physical health. Substance abuse can lead to changes in brain chemistry, resulting in mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.

These mental health issues can further exacerbate drug addiction, creating a vicious cycle of drug use and mental health problems. This is why drug addiction and mental illnesses have a complex relationship. They can co-occur and worsen one another.

The reason you get addicted in the first place is because drugs affect the way your brain works. Drugs make it so that your brain wants to repeat the actions that made it feel good. This makes you motivated to do them again and again. Addictive drugs target your brain’s reward system and flood it with dopamine. This is a chemical that triggers feelings of intense pleasure. Many people abuse drugs and alcohol to chase that high. [3]

Over time, your brain gets used to the extra dopamine, meaning you have to take more of the drug just to feel “normal”. Things that used to give you joy may give you less pleasure too.

Of course, drug abuse also affects other chemical systems and circuits within the brain. This is why drug addicted individuals tend to suffer from cognitive problems. Drugs can affect their memory, judgment, decision-making, and ability to learn. [3]

Eventually, it feels like you have no control over your drug intake and cravings.

Substance abuse can alter brain chemistry, leading to imbalances that trigger or exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Certain drugs, especially stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, can even induce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or paranoia.

Fluctuations in mood are also common among those who are struggling with addiction. They may experience intense mood swings, from euphoria during drug use to deep depression during withdrawal.

Substance abuse can even contribute to suicidal ideation or behavior due to the overwhelming emotional distress and impaired judgment it causes.

Don’t be surprised if addiction co-occurs with a mental health issue. Treating both at the same time is crucial. This typically requires a comprehensive approach that is called dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis is all about treating SUD and mental illnesses simultaneously to ensure the patient’s recovery.

Social and Economic Consequences

Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual but also the people around them. It can strain relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and loneliness. It can also result in job loss, financial problems, and legal issues.

Moreover, drug addiction can have a ripple effect on society, leading to increased crime rates, healthcare costs, and strain on social services.

Focusing first on the social effects of addiction, it has a tendency to affect relationships. If you abuse drugs and alcohol and your friends don’t, it may lead to feelings of isolation or alienation. You may start looking for new circles: ones that tolerate or support your substance use. Either you will spend more time alone or with people who also use drugs. [4]

Some people’s behavior gets altered by their desire to use drugs. They may engage in risky behavior to support their addiction, sometimes lying or stealing to pay for their substance of choice. [4]

Drug addiction destroys relationships with family and friends. Children in households affected by addiction may face neglect, abuse, instability, and developmental issues, leading to intergenerational cycles of addiction and trauma.

It also has a greater impact on society and the economy, leading to increased crime rates, burdened healthcare systems, stigmatization, lost productivity, increased criminal justice costs, and reduced economic growth.

Addressing drug addiction requires a multifaceted approach involving prevention, treatment, education, and policy changes. Investing in prevention programs, expanding access to quality treatment, reducing stigma, and implementing evidence-based policies are crucial steps in mitigating the social and economic impacts of drug addiction.

Tolerance, Withdrawal and Overdose

There are certain health effects of drug abuse, but there are three particular concepts associated with it that are worth discussing.

Tolerance refers to the body’s adaptation to a drug over time, resulting in a reduced response to the substance. When a person uses a drug repeatedly, their body may become less responsive to its effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Tolerance can develop with various substances, including prescription medications, alcohol, and illicit drugs.

Meanwhile, withdrawal occurs when someone who is physically dependent on a substance suddenly stops or significantly reduces its use. The body has become accustomed to the presence of the drug, and when it’s removed, it can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can vary widely depending on the drug but may include anxiety, sweating, nausea, insomnia, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.

Withdrawal symptoms may range from uncomfortable to life-threatening depending on the substance and how long the person has been taking it.

Finally, one of the most dangerous potential effects of drug abuse is overdose. An overdose happens when someone takes more of a drug than their body can handle. It can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, symptoms.

The severity of an overdose depends on various factors such as the type and amount of the drug taken, a person’s tolerance level, and their overall health. Overdoses can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, cardiac arrest, and in extreme cases, death.

Each of these situations requires careful attention and, in the case of overdose or severe withdrawal, immediate medical help. If you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose or severe withdrawal symptoms, seeking emergency medical assistance is crucial.

Increased Risk of Accidents

One of the biggest risks of substance abuse happens on the road. Drug addiction significantly increases the risk of accidents across various aspects of life.

We mentioned earlier how addiction affects a person’s cognitive functions. Impaired coordination, balance, judgment, and reaction times can lead to accidents while driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require focus and coordination.

Drugs can also lead to increased risk-taking behavior and recklessness, making addicted individuals more prone to accidents. They might engage in dangerous activities or ignore safety precautions, leading to injuries. Not to mention there are also certain drugs that induce drowsiness or sedation, which can also lead to accidents.

Some people would recklessly mix substances, putting themselves in danger of a fatal overdose. Remember that combining different substances or using drugs with alcohol can intensify the impairments and dangers, further escalating the risk of accidents.

Addressing drug addiction through proper treatment and support not only helps in reducing the risk of accidents but also significantly improves overall well-being and safety.