Approximately one out of every seven^[1] Americans is currently battling substance addiction, but only 10 percent of them will end up voluntarily seeking treatment. Sadly, this leads to an average of 115 opioid-related deaths^[2] per day. If you are concerned that you or a loved one have developed an issue with substance abuse, it’s important to learn how to spot the numerous side effects of addiction. Doing this can make it easier to reach out for help with addiction treatment, thereby avoiding the risk of becoming a fatality statistic.

Physical Side Effects of Addiction

Developing an addiction to any type of substance, whether it’s legal or otherwise, can wreak havoc on the sufferer’s health and overall physical well-being. Although physical side effects are far from the only problem that these individuals face, they often provide the most noticeable clues for family and friends.

Poor Nutrition
Lack of Personal Hygiene
Cardiovascular Issues
Physical Injuries
Overdose
Fetal Damage

The exact type of physical damage that someone incurs can give clues about their specific addiction. For example, using meth for an extended period of time typically causes extensive dental issues. Using heroin, on the other hand, is more likely to result in muscle and skin damage due to repeated needle usage. Opioid addiction can even lead to fatal constipation if the problem is left untreated.

You or your loved one can break this cycle by getting substance abuse treatment. The quicker you reach out for help, the faster your health issues can heal. Be aware that waiting too long could cause permanent damage and may lead to premature death via side effects such as lung cancer and the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

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Lesser Known Psychological Side Effects of Addiction

Most people focus almost exclusively on the physical side effects of addiction, but there are often several lesser known telltale signs. In fact, many of these warning signs may be noticeable long before the physical complications associated with drug addiction.

Depression
Hallucinations
Psychosis
Anxiety
Loneliness
Guilt
Shame
Restlessness
Financial Problems
Increased Suicide Risk
Homelessness
Criminal Activity

As you can see, long-term substance abuse is often closely tied in with mental health problems. As a result, individuals battling addiction are up to three times more likely^[3] to take their own life. Having an addiction can also make it difficult to hold down a steady job, and this often leads to financial problems. Unfortunately, many people who find themselves in this situation will end up living on the streets or behind bars.

Personal Issues Linked to Addiction

As if developing physical and psychological side effects wasn’t bad enough, a long list of personal issues often compounds the sufferer’s situation. Studies have shown that people who feel lonely or bullied are at a higher risk^[4] for substance abuse. Therefore, when someone who already has addiction problems loses their personal support group, their risk of remaining addicted increases.

Losing Personal Relationships
Losing Employment
Behavioral Changes

As addiction grows, so does the often overwhelming need to feed it. This puts the substance abuse sufferer in a tough position because working often becomes impossible. When their financial resources run out, they might decide to steal from family members or friends. It’s also common for these individuals to turn to a variety of crimes such as burglary, selling drugs or prostitution in order to pay for their addiction.

Other behavioral changes that are often associated with substance addiction include lying, manipulating others and gas-lighting. Some people dealing with addiction even become verbally, emotionally and physically abusive toward their family and friends.

Why Does Substance Abuse Cause so Many Behavioral Changes?

There are a variety of reasons that substance abuse can push someone into harming others. In some cases, the person is so influenced and driven by their compulsive need to feed their addiction that they honestly begin to believe that others are out to get them. This type of paranoia is not uncommon, despite the fact that it’s not rooted in reality.

Put simply, most people who have an addiction don’t start off feeling constantly paranoid, nor do they tend to be overly violent. The addiction changes them, and it can cause long-lasting psychological, personal and health issues. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for any addicted person who wants to get clean.

If you or a family member are suffering from an addiction and want to break the cycle, contact Ocean Hills Recovery for more information. We’re here to help!

Sources:

[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/17/surgeon-general-1-7-us-face-substance-addiction/93993474/

[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323461.php?sr

[4] https://teens.drugabuse.gov/post/your-environment-may-influence-drug-use

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

Common and Lesser Known Side Effects of Addiction