Drug addiction remains one of the most disturbing diseases that can hinder a person's thinking in dealing with life. The person who suffers from drug addiction remains part of a revolving door of appointments, drug use, therapy and hopelessness. Many people who encounter the drug addict do not understand the illness and the effect it has on the addict and the people around him.
Emotional Effects
The emotional effects of drug addiction cause a person suffering from the disease to have a poor self-image and to become depressed. Many drug addicts do not like themselves and have what psychologists may call a death wish. They believe the world owes them or hates them in some way. They cannot cope with life and normal, everyday problems. They suffer from emotional problems triggered by the drug abuse and emotional problems that have been underlying for years, the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates.
Psychological Effects
The psychological effects of drug abuse correlate with the drugs themselves as well as innate problems. The brain becomes affected by the continual misuse of drugs, which alter thinking and brain activity because of damage. Many drug addicts have a sense of paranoia in their thinking and become psychotic after a period of time that includes major illicit drug use, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports.
Physical Effects
Physical effects of drug abuse occur as the liver becomes damaged with heavy drug use and the kidneys shut down. The human body can only detoxify so many drugs before the effects become part of the body's everyday fight to stay alive. The person becomes psychologically addicted to substances and the human body craves them, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports. Illicit drugs also take over the person's entire concept of self, meaning the person only will focus on getting and taking the drugs. This can lead to malnutrition and other physical problems because the addict does not bother to eat, or does not eat properly.
Social Effects
Once the person falls deeply into the drug addiction, she will have many problems with human relationships in most cases. The drug user cannot focus on maintaining relationships with her spouse, children, other family members, friends or work associates because acquiring and using drugs becomes the only focus. This can lead to the loss of work and the loss of family and friends. The lying and manipulation that occurs as a result of the drug addiction and abuse can destroy personal relationships the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports.
Criminal Effects
After the addict has used up his own financial resources to buy illegal drugs, he may decline into criminal activities, particularly stealing, to obtain the money for drugs. So, apart from the crimes of buying and using illicit drugs, the addict also may face arrest and criminal prosecution for drug-related thefts or prostitution. Some drugs addicts practice con artist methods to obtain drugs. They will sell their bodies to acquire the drugs and sell drugs to obtain other drugs, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes. It remains a vicious cycle of lies and deceit.
