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What are the Impacts of Addiction?

3/11/2018

18 Comments

 
In the second article of this 4-part series focusing on addiction, we will explore the many impacts that an addiction can have, not only the individual with a diagnoses of addiction, but also the toll on those connected to this individual and society in general. #addiction #mentalhealth #mhealth
​|In the second article of this 4-part series focusing on addiction, we will explore the many impacts that an addiction can have, not only the individual with a diagnoses of addiction, but also the toll on those connected to this individual and society in general.
Other articles in this series:
  • How to Recognize Addiction
  • Addiction: Finding Hope & Ways to Cope
  • Support Through Addiction

The impacts of addiction can vary for each individual and may also differ depending on the substances being used and tolerance levels. However, one constant remains the same in that an individual can see negative impacts in the physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual areas of their lives as a result of an addiction.

This article does not contain medical or therapeutic advice. If you, or someone you know, is concerned about your health and well-being connected to substance use or an addiction, speak with a local healthcare professional, or reach out to specialized support for addiction. ​

In the second article of this 4-part series focusing on addiction, we will explore the many impacts that an addiction can have, not only the individual with a diagnoses of addiction, but also the toll on those connected to this individual and society in general. #addiction #mentalhealth #mhealth

Physical

​The physical impacts of addiction can be widespread throughout the systems of the body, including the brain. This can include an increased desire for the substance.

​Other physical impacts can include:
  • contraction of HIV, hepatitis and other illnesses
  • heart rate irregularities, heart attack
  • respiratory issues such as lung cancer, emphysema and breathing problems
  • abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
  • kidney and liver damage
  • seizures, stroke, brain damage
  • prenatal and fertility issues
  • changes in appetite, body temperature and sleeping patterns
  • ​fatalities; addiction-related deaths

Psychological

The psychological toll of an addiction can be devastating for an individual, yet many individuals who experience addiction may suffer through many of these impacts on their own from fear of judgement or feeling embarrassed by their behaviours.
​
Other psychological impacts can include:
  • mood swings, depression, anxiety, aggression, confusion
  • a decrease in pleasure in everyday life; feeling unfulfilled in life
  • lack of motivation
  • low self-esteem
  • paranoia or hallucinations 
  • memory loss or fugue states
  • a felt need to engage in risky behavior
  • suicidal thoughts or attempts/succeeding to take ones own life

Relationships

The impacts of addiction on relationships can range from minimal such as a partner noticing the mood swings or withdrawal from their spouse, to extreme such as neglect, spousal or child abuse, or worse.

​Other impacts on relationships can include:
  • withdrawal from others, including those closest to the individual
  • relationship ruptures or breakdowns
  • cause of dysfunction in family system including domestic violence
  • an inability to perform work functions; work dismissal
  • negative judgement from others, particularly in cultures or religions in which the consumption of substances is forbidden

Spiritual

The impacts of addiction on spirituality or religious beliefs can be complex and may range from an individual losing their belief in faith or stepping off their spiritual path as a result of the other impacts felt through their addiction. However, many treatment programs incorporate a spiritual element into their recovery models as a way of enhancing the existential relationship within an individual battling addiction.

Impacts on Society

Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs costs the United States of America more than $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.

Addiction rarely touches only one individual and can in fact have a ripple effect outwards to the society an individual lives in.  It can be simple to quantify the costs associated with addiction on the society at large, but according to WHO the "intangible costs are the costs assigned to pain and suffering, and more generally to a diminished quality of life" in the case of alcohol-related addictions.
​
​Other societal impacts can include:
  • costs associated with crime, hospitalizations, court-related fees
  • reduction in overall workforce due to absenteeism or layoffs
​
Watch: an interesting viewpoint about how addiction and connection can have more of an impact than previously thought.


Worried about your own substance use? Start finding out more with the self-evaluation: Alcohol Reality Check - Please note: This tool not intended as a replacement for an official diagnosis. See your local healthcare provider to find out more about your concerns and treatment options.
​

In the second article of this 4-part series focusing on addiction, we will explore the many impacts that an addiction can have, not only the individual with a diagnoses of addiction, but also the toll on those connected to this individual and society in general. #addiction #mentalhealth #mhealth

Additional Resources:

  • 7 Ways Your Physical Health is Connected to Your Mental Health
  • Essential Oils: For a Good Nights Sleep
  • Symptoms & Causes of Depression​

​References: ​healthyplace.com, who.int, drugabuse.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
In the second article of this 4-part series focusing on addiction, we will explore the many impacts that an addiction can have, not only the individual with a diagnoses of addiction, but also the toll on those connected to this individual and society in general. #addiction #mentalhealth #mhealth
​The links on this page may be embedded with affiliate links that I am compensated for at no additional cost to you. If you or someone you know is in crisis and need immediate support, please reach out to your local emergency service or crisis line.
18 Comments
Kaye link
3/12/2018 03:28:10 pm

This blog post is broken down in great detail yet easy to read manner. Great post.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/14/2018 09:21:38 pm

Hi Kaye! Thank you so much for your feedback about the article. I hope it was helpful for you.

Reply
Maegen link
3/12/2018 09:01:14 pm

Great article. My husband now battles with pancreantitis because of alcohol. Our life has changed...all for the better. I now blog and try to help others understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/14/2018 09:22:51 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's health issues, Maegen. I'm glad to hear you have been able to turn this experience into helping others through your blog. Let me know if you would ever like to guest post and share your experience on my blog, I would love to have you!

Reply
Glady link
3/12/2018 09:51:13 pm

This is a good write up. I have friends and relative undergoing different addictions and I was once had a share of this. I totally agree to what was written here. Addiction needs further education from people. Thanks for sharing these.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/14/2018 09:25:48 pm

Hi Glady, thank you for your comment. It's true that many people are impacted by addiction in one way or another in life. Education is key at gaining understanding and support for these concerns.

Reply
Lydia Samson
3/12/2018 10:19:12 pm

Thank you for posting this and shedding light on it. Addictions need to be understood and talked about more often, it will make such a difference to those affected and by those coping with it...

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/14/2018 09:27:02 pm

You're very welcome! I felt addiction was a necessary topic to discuss on the blog and I'm glad it has been helpful at educating others so far. There are two more articles to be shared including one about coping strategies and another on professional treatments available.

Reply
roamy link
3/14/2018 11:48:55 am

Hi
I have suffered addiction, something that started so innocently with legal sleeping pills turned into something ugly.I think it`s important to know the signs early so as to deal with any kind of addiction before it gets out of hand.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
4/7/2018 04:53:44 pm

Hi Roamy, thank you for sharing your experience. Many people are going through similar concerns with prescription medication and it can easily turn into an addiction situation. I hope you are connected with support now. Take good care!

Reply
Mylee link
3/16/2018 09:26:13 am

This is a wonderful article about addiction. As a social worker I saw the impacts of addiction every day when working in the mental health and child protection fields. Addiction has long lasting effects and can be generational in its impacts. Thanks again for such a thorough well thought out article!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
4/7/2018 04:57:05 pm

It can be very difficult to witness the impacts of addiction as a support professional and just as important for us to take care of ourselves from the potential impacts of vicarious trauma. Thank you for the support that you have been able to offer to families dealing with an addiction!

Reply
Biljana link
3/16/2018 02:48:22 pm

Addiction is such an important and timeless subject. I'm always interested to read more about it and I'm glad I came across your series of articles. Your blog too, since we share love for yoga :)

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
4/7/2018 04:59:09 pm

I hope you were able to learn new information from this series focusing on addiction, Biljana. Yoga can be a great way to cope and re-center while going through treatment for addiction. Thanks for stopping by the blog!

Reply
Llyane Stanfield link
3/17/2018 04:30:05 pm

Sadly, this topic is more and more important for our society. Thank you for getting into such great detail - it will help many!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
4/7/2018 05:00:40 pm

I hope this information is helpful to those experiencing addiction. The last article in the series focuses more on treatments if you are interested in checking it out, as well!

Reply
Elise Ho link
3/25/2018 10:33:53 am

The impact is so far reaching. It is difficult to make one fathom the reality.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
4/7/2018 05:01:23 pm

Yes, you are right Elise.. everyone may have a different story of addiction but the results can be very devastating.

Reply

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