People still experiment with drugs or alcohol every day despite the dangers of substance abuse. Meanwhile, those who’re already “hooked” continue to abuse the addictive substances regardless of the harmful effects. While early intervention can help minimize the dangers for persons in the early stages of addiction, those with a substance use disorder will need treatment at an addiction rehab center in FL or a state of their choice.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance abuse can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD), also known as addiction. Addiction is a chronic, complex, and relapsing brain disorder that is widespread in the US. Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that 19.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had a SUD related to alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year.
Street drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and meth and prescription opioids were among the most common drugs involved. Of the 19.7 million people, only about 4.0 million received substance use treatment in the past year. The others likely continued to be at risk of the dangers of substance abuse.
5 Dangers of Substance Abuse
Anyone who abuses alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medication can suffer the following short-term or long-term consequences:
#1: Brain changes: Prolonged drug and alcohol abuse cause changes in brain functions. These changes can affect your thinking, judgment, and behavior for a long time. In fact, many people struggling with addiction are unable to perform daily functions because of brain damage.
#2: Medical problems: Cirrhosis of the liver, memory problems, heart problems, seizures, stroke, and HIV are some of the health risks involved. You may even develop a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety or depression, which can worsen the addiction.
#3: Financial problems: Drugs and alcohol cost money and may, at some point, drain family finances. Job loss because of a drinking or drug problem can render you unable to support your family. Homelessness or dependency can occur as a result.
#4: Broken relationships: Addiction causes a lot of domestic disputes between spouses or parent and child. Distrust, frustration, shame, and resentment are some of the negative emotions felt by family members. These feelings can drive a wedge between the addicted individual and his loved ones.
#5: Difficulty quitting: It is hard to give up booze or drugs because changes in brain function will make you believe you need the substance to survive. Even if you try to quit on your own, which is unsafe, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can prevent you from recovering.
Substance Abuse Treatment At Atlantic Recovery Center
Hopefully, knowing the dangers of substance abuse will prevent you from using drugs or alcohol. At the end of the day, you’ll have to ask yourself whether the risks are worth the fleeting moments of pleasure. Even if you’re already trapped in addiction, it’s not too late. We can customize an integrative treatment plan to help you recover and return to a life of sobriety. Our professional addiction recovery specialists will evaluate you and decide which of these addiction treatment programs is suitable for you:
- Outpatient rehab
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Residential addiction treatment program
Treatment begins with medical detox. You can later transition to therapy, once acute withdrawal symptoms subside. In some cases, the client may need substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment. The whole aim of treatment is to help you find positive ways to deal with life problems instead of self-medicating with addictive substances. We can achieve this through evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, Gestalt therapy, or psychotherapy. We are aware that the dangers of substance abuse also impact the family and can provide family therapy to help heal those affected.
Atlantic Recovery Center is located in Davie, FL. However, we admit clients from all across the US. Call us at 1-866-824-5193 to talk to an admissions counselor.