The effects of drug abuse not only affect the person's heath, but also the people who love and live with the abuser as well. Chemical dependency affects the entire family and other relationships because it causes everyday problems through negative behaviors associated with the influence of the drug, whether alcohol or some other substance. Behaviors change when a person falls under the influence.
Health problems
Whether alcohol or drug abuse takes place, health problems can occur, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Both can cause liver damage when taken in excessive amounts, although the condition most often occurs with alcoholism. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause damage to the brain as well as to other organs. Drugs that can cause these problems include barbiturates, opiates, cannabis and nicotine.
Social Problems
A person experiencing a difficulty with drug or alcohol use can find it difficult to socialize without the substances, and keeping good friends may pose problems, notes the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The abuser may have an attitude from the influence of drugs or alcohol, and he may become irritable and argue with family members and friends. This can sever established relationships.
Employment Issues
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a drug abuser may find it difficult to keep employment. Mood changes occur within a person who suffers the problems of chemical dependency. She may forget to go to work being under the influence, or she may show up late often. Conduct and attitude regarding work suffers, as well as the appearance and productivity of the person. The person's hygiene may become poor and her worth ethics may suffer while under the influence.
Legal Issues
Depending on the amount of money it takes to buy the drugs or alcohol, the person may rob people, businesses and homes to supply a habit such as heroin or cocaine. Costing a lot, heroin also causes severe addiction because the person constantly needs to increase the intake. A person's chances of losing a job increase with alcohol use, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states. He needs money to buy the alcohol and therefore may steal the alcohol or money to buy it. Whether caught and facing charges for these kinds of crimes or for driving while under the influence, legal problems often accompany abuse, MayoClinic.com indicates.
Family Problems
Family problems occur because of the chemical dependency issues involving legal problems, social problems and possible loss of employment. Relationships become strained because of the increased emotional affect of the drug and alcohol abuse, says National Institute on Drug Abuse. Spouses may give the person an ultimatum to get help or leave the premises.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Alcohol
- MayoClinic.com: Drug Addiction
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
- Green Facts: Scientific Facts on Psychoactive Drugs
- National Institute on Drug abuse: People of all ages suffer the harmful consequences of drug abuse and addiction
