 |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: 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.  PhysicalThe 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:
PsychologicalThe 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:
RelationshipsThe 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:
SpiritualThe 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 SocietyAbuse 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:
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.  Additional Resources:
References: healthyplace.com, who.int, drugabuse.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov  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
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. 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! 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.
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... 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. 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! 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! 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! 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! 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! 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! 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. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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