Addiction Doesn’t Only Affect the Addicted
When major news outlets report on the drug abuse and overdoses, it's the use that get's most of the attention. At first glance, addiction may seem like one person's problem, but it has a much larger ripple effect than even the media has represented. Behind every person held in the suffocating grasp of addiction is a mother, father, friend, or just someone who cares, whose lives are being torn apart. And users are getting younger and younger. In Florida, 11.5% of adults reported living with someone who had used illegal drugs or abused prescription medication before the age of 18. Even if you do not know someone personally struggling with substance abuse, it is almost a sure thing that you know someone who does. Providing support for someone addicted to drugs can have physical, mental, and financial implications for more than just the addict. Being aware of these factors can help one know when to get help for oneself or give someone else a hand who needs it.
Physical Issues Resulting from Constant Stress
When a loved one is grappling with addiction, you may find yourself stressed at all times of the day. Losing sleep, missing meals, and dropping out of self-care routines in an effort to be there for the affected person can leave you feeling hollow—even when you are not the user. Not getting enough sleep or nutrients can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to come down with common illnesses, such as a cold or sore throat. Medical studies have also found stress to be linked to larger, more serious physical health issues.
Emotional Roller Coaster from Depending on an Addict
Former addicts can be pretty candid about the lengths they would go to in order to continue their addiction. Many upstanding citizens are surprised to find that they were willing to lie, cheat, and steal—willing to do nearly anything just to make it to the next high and escape the horrible symptoms of withdrawal. For support people surrounding the addict, this can cause a roller coaster of emotions. A positive outlook on life can help one to stay productive at work and outgoing in social settings. When you catch someone you care about lying over and over, it can take a toll on your own emotional well-being.
Financial Losses Brought About by Substance Abuse
If you financially depend on an addict, you likely know the effects it can have on your livelihood. If you are concerned about a friend whose partner is abusing drugs, you may notice that they fall behind on their rent, can’t cover basic expenses, or find themselves missing work to deal with the affected person. Since substance abuse can often drive individuals to engage in extreme behavior, other expenses like legal costs, bail, or property damage may be added to already existing financial commitments.
Helping the Addicted: What You Can Do
Whether you know someone directly or indirectly, the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to get them into treatment. Also, as the days and weeks go by, the ripple effects of one person’s problem spread to more and more people. At Narconon Suncoast, we offer a drug-free approach to help individuals overcome addiction and address the underlying causes that led them to start taking drugs.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with the monster of addiction, our experienced staff are ready to assist. Thousands of our students now live drug-free lives. Give us a call today to see how we can help those you care about achieve lasting sobriety, too. Together, we can make a difference.
Source:
https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx
