Main highlights:
- Substance abuse and what it looks like?
- How to help people suffering from substance abuse.
- The dangers of Alcohol and Drug addiction.
Are you worried about a friend or family member who seems to be drinking too much or using drugs frequently? There are many people who don’t know about The Dangers of Alcohol and Drug Addiction. It’s not easy to watch them go through it and know that it isn’t much you can do about it. But what if it’s someone you love?
How can you help them get the necessary treatment and support they need?
The truth is, substance abuse is among the top preventable causes of death in the United States. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or drug use, read on for more information about what these addictions look like, their dangers, and how to help someone get the support they need.
What does substance abuse look like?
When it comes to alcohol and drug abuse, there is a common misconception that only certain people will become addicted. The truth is, any person can fall victim to addiction, no matter their race, gender, religion, or any other demographic.
Substance abuse can look different for every person, but there are a few common signs to watch out for. If you or someone you love drinks or uses drugs regularly and seems to exhibit any of the following signs, it’s possible they’re struggling with addiction.
Signs of substance abuse include:
- Constantly drinking or using drugs, even when it starts to interfere with other aspects of a person’s life.
- Having an increased tolerance for a substance they once were able to use safely.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming their substance of choice.
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, consuming, or recovering from substance use.
- Experiencing a change in behavior that could indicate substance abuse, such as withdrawal from friends and family or sudden changes in mood.
- Having issues at work, school, or home as a result of their substance abuse
The Dangers of Alcohol and Drug Addiction
A lot of people wonder why alcohol and drug addiction is such a big deal how can just one or two drinks hurt anyone? Unfortunately, those two drinks can easily turn into a full-blown addiction, not to mention the damage that can happen from consuming too many. The Dangers of Alcohol and drug addiction can cause a lot of serious issues in a person’s life. It’s possible for someone who is addicted to lose their job, go into debt, or even lose their family and friends if they don’t get the help they need. Alcohol and drug addiction can even lead to death in some cases.
As many as 120 people die every day from alcohol-related causes. If a loved one is struggling with addiction, the substances they’re consuming could be causing serious issues in their life, including any of the following:
Physical health issues. Alcohol and drug addiction can cause a wide range of physical health issues, including liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Mental health issues. Substance abuse can cause mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts or actions.
Social issues. When a person is struggling with addiction, they are less likely to show up to work or do well in school. They also may have trouble maintaining healthy and stable relationships.
Legal issues. If a person who is addicted is driving while intoxicated or using drugs, they are at risk of being pulled over by the police and facing serious legal consequences.
Financial issues. Addiction can cause a person to spend thousands of dollars on alcohol or drugs every year — money that could be going towards other important expenses, like paying for college or rent.
How to Help a Loved One Who Is Addicted
If you have noticed any of the signs of substance abuse in a friend or family member, it’s important to act quickly. The earlier someone gets help for their addiction, the better their chances for a full recovery. If you notice a loved one is struggling with addiction and you don’t know where to start, here are a few steps you can take.
Talk to your loved one. Let them know you are concerned about their drinking or drug use and want to help them get the treatment they need. Let them know that you love them and want them to get healthy. If they are open to receiving help, suggest different treatment options and let them know you are there to support them during their recovery.
Find a support group. There are many support groups out there designed to help people stay sober. A great place to start is by talking to someone at your doctor’s office. They may be able to refer you to a group in your area.
Take care of yourself. Being around someone who is struggling with addiction can be taxing. Be sure to take time for yourself and spend it doing things you enjoy.
3 Steps to Follow When Helping a Loved One
If you’ve talked to your loved one about their drinking or drug use and they aren’t open to receiving help, it can be difficult to know what to do next. It can be incredibly frustrating to know that someone you love is in danger and it isn’t much you can do about it. If a loved one is unwilling to receive help, here are a few steps you can follow to help them stay safe.
Set clear boundaries. If a loved one is drinking or taking drugs regularly, it may be a good idea to set clear boundaries to help keep them safe — especially if they show signs of driving while intoxicated or using drugs while they are at home with young children.
Create an intervention. An intervention is a great way to let a loved one know that their substance abuse is getting out of control and to ask them to get help. An intervention usually involves a few people who love a substance-abusing person getting together to let them know that they care about them and want them to get help.
An intervention is often the last resort, but it is a very effective way to let someone know you are serious about them getting help and you aren’t going away until they do.
Get your loved one help even if they are unwilling. If a loved one is regularly drinking and driving, using drugs in front of children, spending a lot of money on substances, or showing other signs of danger, you may want to consider calling the police or an intervention team to get them help.
Final Words
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many people who want to help you break out of addiction and get back to living life to its fullest. The important thing to remember is that addiction is a disease and you can’t beat it alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us at Recovery First to learn more about our alcohol and drug addiction treatment centers. We have a wide variety of programs designed to meet the unique needs of every person and help them break free from the grips of addiction.
