Casual use of drugs or alcohol can develop into abuse for many people, increasing difficulty to stop use of the drug and causing problems that may become dangerous. Life-changing consequences destroy families, relationships, friendships or the lives and goals of people abusing drugs or alcohol. Complications create hazards that slowly develop over time or suddenly strike the drug abuser.
Health Disorders
Immediate and long-term damage to the health can occur from abuse of drugs or alcohol. In severe cases, loss of consciousness or sudden death result from high doses of drugs and combining drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol, MayoClinic.com points out. Drug addiction often leads to carelessness and makes it more likely an abuser will contract an infectious diseases through unsafe sex or, in extreme cases, sharing needles. Heavy drinkers risk long-term health problems that include liver disease, heart disease and cancers of the esophagus, mouth, throat and voice box. Drug abuse can lead to serious breathing problems, blood pressure fluctuations, seizures and heart attack.
Accidents
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs leads to traffic accidents that become traumatic for family or friends when fatalities result. Terrible life consequences result for addicts who cause serious injury or death to other people when driving under the influence. Even low doses of drugs or small amounts of alcohol impair a person's driving abilities. The more drugs or alcohol consumed the worse driving skills become, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Drug and alcohol abusers do not fully realize the condition they are in and become careless. They may lift heavy objects, operate machinery or get involved in other activities that pose danger for themselves and the people around them.
Personal Problems
Arguments with friends and family members usually increase because of drug or alcohol abuse. The risks of being involved in violent acts increases, either as a victim or aggressor, for people who abuse drugs or alcohol. Behavioral changes in the addict cause verbal and physical conflicts within the family. Work performance declines and leads to frequent absence from a job or firing. Motivation and performance suffer, causing people to fail or drop out of school. Many people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs go on unnecessary spending sprees, either because they don't care, or they need to spend money to support their habit. Many alcohol and drug abusers suffer severe financial difficulties or fall into debt because of their spending problems. This often results in legal troubles that can last for years. Suicidal thoughts often occur to people abusing drugs and alcohol. Addicts can become so depressed they feel life is no longer worth living. The thoughts can easily lead to acts of suicide.
