The drug also affects the kidneys and brain. It causes a lot of appetite, causes drowsiness all the time and decreases. Drug abuse can be a painful experience for the person with the problem and for family and friends who may feel powerless in the face of the disease. However, there are things you can do if you know or suspect that someone close to you has a drug problem.
A common misconception about drug addiction is that it only affects the life of the user. However, the idea that they are not harming anyone but themselves is an excuse used by many people who abuse drugs to justify their addiction. Drug addiction is not a one-person phenomenon and creates a ripple effect in the lives of those around them. It is a social problem that normalizes drug use and affects individuals and their families.
Drug abuse and addiction generally have less to do with how often a person uses substances. Instead, it's more about the reasons people turn to drugs in the first place and the consequences of their abuse. For example, if drug use is causing problems in your life, such as losing a job or strained relationships, you probably have a drug abuse problem. Not being able to stop taking a medication even if you know it's harmful is the hallmark of addiction.
Addiction to opioid pain relievers can be so powerful that it has become the leading risk factor for heroin abuse. If you feel that your loved one is abusing drugs, the best thing you can do is to encourage them to seek treatment for their addiction. A person who has been addicted to drugs will have to re-learn all kinds of things, from what to do when bored to who to go out with. If you think that you or someone you know could benefit from professional, proven methods for treating substance abuse and addiction (or you simply have questions about treatment options), contact a licensed professional rehabilitation center, such as Genesis Recovery.
The types of crimes a person can commit when using drugs are broad and depend on a variety of sub-factors, but regardless, drug users are more likely than non-users to commit crimes. It's no exaggeration to suggest that the War on Drugs has focused on punishing people who suffer from substance use disorders. However, it's reasonable to suggest that driving while high is incredibly dangerous, since 44% of drivers involved in vehicle fatalities tested positive for drugs. Whether it's a close friend or family member, helping someone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction is often a long and heartbreaking journey.
Petty theft to obtain drugs and satisfy their cravings when they are desperate is another way drugs influence people to commit crimes. Drug abuse and addiction have less to do with the type or quantity of the substance used or the frequency with which they are used, and more with the consequences of that drug use. While anyone can develop problems from drug use, vulnerability to substance addiction varies from person to person. Some people can use recreational or prescription medications without experiencing negative effects, while others find that substance use seriously affects their health and well-being.
As drug abuse takes hold, you may miss work or school or are often late, your work performance may progressively deteriorate and you may begin to neglect social or family responsibilities.
