Edit by: BrittniMy Result: Low Risk
Good news, your results show that you’re not addicted to drugs and not facing any drastic consequences from the drug abuse. But you need to remember that you always must be prepared to take charge of the situation instantly or things will only get worse.
Below you will find resources to further educate yourself about the substance abuse and addictions:
You can learn more about addiction and it affects human brain here.
To learn more about drug abuse statistics visit this page.
Learn what to do when a loved one has an addiction by reading this article.
Consequences of Drug Addiction
It might come as a surprise to some that drug abuse is actually a brain disease. Fair enough, first few times you might voluntarily use drugs, but a continuous use can interfere with your brain and highly impact your voluntary decision making. It then can result in obsessional craving, acquiring drugs by any means, and using them.
According to National Institute of Drug Abuse, illicit drug abuse costs America a whopping $193 billion annually in terms of crime, lost work productivity and healthcare. But that’s only an estimated cost, actual cost could actually be many times more, and that doesn’t even include the additional cost suffered in terms of psychological and social issues. The consequences can vary greatly depending on your intake i.e. whether you occasionally abuse your prescription or frequently take hard drugs. Let’s talk about the most common consequences of drug addiction:
- Medical issues
Medical issues caused by drugs are very far reaching. In most cases the severe impact is seen after an overdose or prolonged use, but some effects can occur instantly, even after just one use. From a variety of lethal diseases to instant death, everything is always on the cards. Some common diseases that drugs can cause include HIV/AIDS, stroke, cancer, Cardiovascular disease, lung disease, hepatitis, infertility, hormonal disorders, mental issues, and neurological problems.
- Psychological issues
Unlike medical issues, psychological issues usually occur after a prolonged use of drugs. The three most common issues drug abusers experience include depression, paranoia, and anxiety. The most common issue is depression; it happens mainly because after prolonged use, you develop tolerance to the drug and always need an ever-increasing amount or potency. Illicit drugs users also get paranoid, always fearing that LEA is waiting in every corner to get them for getting illegal substance. Likewise, the longer you have to wait for you next dose, the more anxious you get. Anxiety results in a lack of focus and can lead to emotional and social issues.
- Social Issues
Studies have confirmed that drug addicts are more likely to experience every single social issue that one can experience, mainly because they get isolated from the society and maintain the connection with their drugs only. Buying drugs are the only thing on your mind, which leads to workplace absenteeism, slacking duties, negligence and once you get tangled into the web of financial issues, craving forces you to get money by hook or by crook. Needless to say that drug abuse can ruin your personal as well as professional life.
Deciding to Quit
Trying to quit without a comprehensive game plan almost always results in a fail. So before you quit, you need to know where you are going. Here are some general guidelines to get started on the right foot.
- Set a goal to quit
The best approach is not to do it all at once. Getting addicted is easy, quitting is not. You need to start with baby steps. Write down your goal, and the amount of time it will take you to achieve it.
- Make a list of the harmful effects of your addiction
Write down all the bad things that have happened to you due to drugs, and keep the list in your pocket. Knowing how drugs are adversely affecting you physically, emotionally and economically, will keep you motivated.
- Write down how you feel physically
We know that your health deteriorated when you started drugs, that’s a give. Here we’re talking about withdrawal symptoms i.e. how you feel when you try to quit. Keep this list and show it to your doctor if you ever need one.
- Evaluate if you are neglecting responsibilities
Are you ignoring your family? Are you having trouble at your job or business? Write down everything, and evaluate how much toll drugs are taking on your personal and work life.
- When was the last time you engaged in a hobby
Did you use to be an outdoor person? Did you use to hike a lot or hit the gym real hard, and all that changed after you started drugs? This can cause added depression and you’ll find refuge behind drugs. If you used to do any type of physical activity, it’s time to start doing it again. It won’t be easy at first, but eventually you’ll get there.
- Write down the positive changes you’ll see when you quit
Another list to keep you motivated, write down all the beautiful things you’re missing out on because of your addiction. Keep this list in your pocket too and look at it from time to time.
Get Professional Help
Depending on your health and the rate at which you’re increasing your drug intake, you may or may not need to get pro help. If you can gradually quit on your own, then it’s the best, however, if you feel that your health isn’t improving or you’re having trouble quitting, you should consider seeking pro help.
- See a doctor
See a doctor who specializes in chemical addiction, he’ll be able to guide on what kind of treatment is best suited for you, depending on the amount and type of drugs you take.
- Join a rehab center
Check into a rehabilitation facility if you are having trouble quitting. Barbiturates, methamphetamines, cocaine and crack, benzodiazepines, and even alcohol withdrawal can not only pose several health risks but can prove to be lethal. In case you experience severe withdrawal, it’s ideal to detox in a specialized facility.
- Indulge into healthy physical activities
Go for hikes if you live in the suburbs, get a dog and run with it, get a membership to a local fitness club. Intense physical training will not only improve your health but will also keep drugs off your mind.
- Joining a peer-based support group
Find a local peer-based support group, and ask several questions before joining to make sure you’re a right fit for each other. Some support groups assign you a sponsor – a person who is successfully recovering from their addiction. Seeing someone doing it will take your motivation and self-belief to the next level.
- Break old habits
Stay away from people, places and situations that could lead you back into the same pit you’ve come out of after so much effort. There is nothing worse than falling back into the same trap again and seeing all your hardwork go down the drain. Try to find out what habits forced you to take drugs? If it was loneliness, try to find good company, if it was a disease, get medical assistance to cure it; whatever the reason was, remember it’s not the end of the world. All you need to do is replace bad, old habits with good ones.
Page Sources
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1886469
FindTreatment.gov