Drug addiction is a major concern for communities, families and individuals. Everyone from adults to children can suffer the consequences of a drug addiction, whether illegal drugs or prescription medications. Drug addiction is defined as a dependence on a specific medications or street drug. Individuals are not always able to control their use and may continue to use the drug despite the harm they recognize it is causing. Drug addiction creates a negative impact on the family, work, school, emotional stability and financial ability.
Society
According to Treatment-Centers.net, drug addiction and alcoholism affects not only the addict, but also their families and the entire society and community in which they live. Drug addiction is no longer suffered only by the poor and underprivileged but arises from legally prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Because these drugs are often legal and acceptable, the abuse has become a devastating epidemic that costs millions of dollars to the addict and society. According to The Canyon Rehab and Substance Abuse Treatment Center, every person in the life of an addict is affected by their behavior.
Physical
According to MedlinePlus.com, possible physical complications of drug addiction include bacterial endocarditis, hepatitis, malnutrition and respiratory infections. Physicians have found that drug addiction will increase the cancer rate for specific types of cancer, depending upon the drug to which the individual is addicted. Individuals can also acquire HIV infections through shared needles, and unsafe sexual practices can result in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Emotional
Drug addiction also leads to emotional effects that impact the lives of the addict and their family. According to KidsHealth.org, individuals who struggle with drug addiction may lose interest in school, have trouble concentrating and will suffer from lower grades. According to MedlinePlus.com, children and adults will suffer from depression, difficulties with memory and concentration and relapse of drug abuse. Drug addicts will also exhibit a sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts and hobbies as well as unexplained change in personality, sudden mood swings, irritability and periods of unusual agitation, according to HelpGuide.org. Individuals may also appear fearful, anxious or paranoid without any reason. They may appear "spaced out," hyperactive or exhibit angry outbursts.
Financial
Drug addicts have a high potential to have problems with the law, related to either in their search for money to pay for their drug habit or because of a lack of inhibition that results in poor choices. Addicts who have poor performance at work or school may also lose their income, creating a financial situation in which they are unable to afford their drug habit or support themselves or their families.
