One of the most devastating consequences of drug abuse is widely known given its frequency and effects on those beyond the person who struggles with substance use disorder. A drug overdose can sometimes be reversed but often leaves behind grieving family members and friends who watched as their loved one grappled with drug use.
Other Consequences Of Drug Abuse
A drug overdose is only one consequence of drug abuse. Because it is so devastating and sudden, a drug overdose gets a lot of attention. For many people who are struggling with drug abuse, though, there are other issues that often lead up to that life-changing moment.
Short-Term Consequences of Drug Abuse
The short-term consequences of drug abuse can range from physical and emotional symptoms to those that are more social in nature. For example, depending on the substance used, your loved one might experience changes in their vital signs. Their breathing might become more shallow — or it could increase significantly. Their heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs could also fluctuate from being higher or lower than what’s normal.
Your loved one’s mood could also change as a consequence of drug abuse. They might experience changes in their appetite, their hygiene and their attention to responsibilities. Psychosis is also a possible consequence of substance use disorder.
Many people who struggle with substance use discover that their entire lives are focused on obtaining more of the drug. This could mean that they no longer eat, work, or care for their children in the ways that they did previously.
Long-Term Consequences Of Drug Abuse
It’s important to note here that many of the long-term consequences of drug abuse can also occur after just a short struggle with substance use disorder. For example, there are many people who have overdosed after just a single use of an illicit substance or the misuse of prescription medication.
A range of serious health issues is one of the most common long-term effects of substance use disorder. These include hepatitis, cancer, lung disease, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and mental illness.
Addiction: A Consequence Of Drug Abuse
Addiction is also a common effect of drug use. Today, it’s understood that drug addiction is a brain disorder. For many people, using drugs can change how their brain circuits function. The result is a difference in how your loved one experiences normal, everyday activities such as stress, learning, sex, and decision-making. Because of these changes, it’s often difficult for a person to stop using the substance on their own — even when faced with the dire consequences that drug abuse has on their lives.
Consequences Of Drug Abuse On Others
If you’re loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, then you’re probably already aware of some of the effects of drug abuse on those close to them. It’s not uncommon for drug abuse to cause turmoil in families and friendships.
There could be a number of reasons for this including an inability of your loved one to hold down a job, for example, or care for children. Drug use can also result in a person making erratic decisions and displaying erratic behavior. In some cases, your loved one might also engage in criminal behavior as a consequence of their drug abuse. Here are some programs we offer to combat drug abuse:
- Dual Diagnosis Program
- Eco-therapy Treatment Program
- Trauma-informed Care
- Gardening
- Hybrid Program
Red Oak Recovery® provides gender-specific treatment for substance use disorder for males between the ages of 18 and 30. A sanctuary of support and patient-centric treatment options, Red Oak Recovery® is located in beautiful North Carolina. Contact us today at 866.457.7590 to learn more about our services.
