Loss of Health
The body most likely will suffer, along with the mind, when in the throngs of addiction, be it drugs or alcohol. Here are some of the symptoms or conditions, as well as the drug that causes it;
• Irregular or rapid heart rate (cocaine, meth, PCP)
• Heart failure (cocaine, meth)
• Blood-borne diseases like hepatitis or HIV (injectable drugs)
• High blood pressure (cocaine, meth, PCP)
• Impotence or infertility (meth, narcotic drugs)
• Psychosis (LSD, cocaine, meth)
• Respiratory depression and coma (tranquilizers, narcotics)
• Seizures (tranquilizers, cocaine, narcotics)
• Abscesses and infections (any IV use)
Risky Behavior Causes Losses
Addiction also puts you at risk of violence, accidental or self-inflicted injuries, motor vehicle accidents and sexually transmitted diseases. When you’re addicted, you can delude yourself into doing the most outlandish things in the name of drugs- taking risks you might never take if not addicted. Addicts often neglect their health and may be unaware of their declining mental and physical condition. Because denial is a big part of addiction, an addict may be able to convince himself that he’s perfectly okay, even if he’s losing weight, has heart palpitations, suffers from paranoia or has serious dental problems.
Pregnancy Issues From Addiction
While pregnant and using street drugs, the following could very well happen;
• Miscarriage
• Problems with the placenta
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight
• Withdrawal symptoms in your newborn baby
In severe cases, using street drugs may lead to the death of the baby and/or the mother. You can protect yourself and your infant by getting the help you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
Loss of Relationships
Family and loved ones bowing out remains one of biggest areas where addicts loose. Addiction separates the user from his or her loved ones, and now the addict’s relationship with the drug takes precedence over everything else. Addicts may become secretive, isolated and defensive in the early stages and throughout substance abuse. As the addiction progresses, they may abandon their marriages, children or intimate partnerships so they can pursue their drug use without any restraints.
Professional relationships are quickly destroyed by addiction. When you give your life over to drug use, it’s hard to maintain a regular work schedule. Many drug addicts are exposed by their employers, who catch them making dangerous mistakes or using drugs at work. Once you’ve destroyed a professional relationship, it can be difficult to get re-established in your field. By seeking help for your addiction early, you may be able to avoid losing your job, your professional credibility and your reputation in your industry.
Loss of Freedom
It’s no accident that drug-related crime has become a focus of concern among here in the U.S. It is unbelievable just how many addicts have gone to prison because of drug related crime
• 29 percent of inmates incarcerated in state prisons were using drugs when they committed crimes of violence
• 36 percent of inmates in state prisons were using drugs when they committed crimes involving the theft or damage of property
• 41.9 percent of inmates in state prisons were using drugs when they committed crimes involving drugs
• 22.4 percent of inmates in state prisons were using drugs when they committed crimes involving weapons
Loss of Self
The final danger of addiction is the loss of self. You can lose yourself by destroying your health, by trashing your integrity, by abandoning your personal relationships and by giving up your dreams for the sake of drugs. Finding yourself can be achieved through counseling, guidance, and support, along with the desire and commitment of the addicted person.