Drug addiction and alcoholism can have devastating effects on individuals, families and children. The "Journal of the American Medical Association" or JAMA defines alcoholism and drug abuse as chronic diseases that involve loss of control and fixation on the need to have the substance without regard for the consequences. The adverse effects of alcohol and drug abuse for the individual may require long-term medical treatment, counseling and rehabilitation.
Addiction
Drug and alcohol use can lead to addiction over time. Research from the journal
"Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews" underlines that drug addiction and alcoholism are brain-related diseases making substance abuse a long-term problem that can be difficult to overcome. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA states that drug abuse can involve substances from three main classes of drugs. These substances include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, legal prescription and over-the-counter drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
Violence
Drug and alcohol use can trigger aggressive, belligerent, violent and risk-taking behavior. The American Psychological Association, or APA, emphasizes that the use of these mind-altering substances promotes impaired judgment, loss of control, decreased inhibitions, emotional instability, depression, paranoia, anxiety and temporary memory loss. Therefore, the use of drugs and alcohol can lead to harm due to violence against the individual and to those around him.
Emotional Effects
Drug and alcohol use can lead to abuse of these substances increasing the risk of emotional abuse. An individual using alcohol or drugs is more likely to verbally and emotionally abuse those around him. Finances can also be drained due to the purchasing of alcohol and drugs and the increased need for an abuser to acquire these substances. This can lead to neglect of the individual's own needs, as well as the financial needs of the family. The psychology health website Healthy Place warns that children of a parent with alcoholism or a drug problem are at higher risk of behavioral problems, eating disorders, depression and failing academic studies.
References
- American Psychological Association: Alcohol Disorders
- Healthy Place: What Happens to the Family When Addiction Becomes Part of It
- Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews; Craving's Place in Addiction Theory: Contributions of the Major Models; Marilyn Skinner and Henri-Jean Aubin 2010
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Understanding Drug Abuse
