When you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, it can be difficult for you to accept it. One important step toward getting help for addiction, whether it is your own or someone else’s, is to first understand how alcohol or other drugs affect you or your loved one.
Signs of a Substance Abuse Disorder
- Lack of control and/or judgment
- Neglect of work or home life responsibilities
- Isolation from friends and loved ones
- Deception, such as hiding how much alcohol or drugs were consumed
- Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms even when not using alcohol or the substance of choice, such as anxiety, irritability, sweating, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting.
Negative Consequences of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can have many detrimental effects. Over time, a person abusing drugs or alcohol can develop health issues, and prolonged substance abuse can also change a person’s brain and judgment capabilities. Additionally, alcohol and drug use that develops into substance abuse can result in family and relationship problems, as well as financial issues and legal problems.
Alcohol
One commonly abused substance is alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant which works by slowing down the body’s central nervous system. Alcohol has an effect on how a person’s brain communicates with their body. The use of alcohol can affect each organ in the body and also can harm a fetus in development.
Opioids
Opioids are another type of drug that is commonly abused. These drugs are typically safe if taken for just a short period of time when prescribed by a doctor, but they carry the risk of being misused. The misuse of opioids can result in overdose and even death.
If you or someone you love is suffering from substance abuse in Massachusetts, it is important to seek help and begin the addiction recovery process to avoid negative consequences from addiction.