Addiction can impact your mental, physical, and social well-being. If she succumbed to addiction, the girl who had run marathons would soon be unable even to walk a mile.

A boy who could smile and help anyone would be a great example of an addict, but he will soon turn into a shell. Addiction does not discriminate. It is important that you understand how it can affect your life in different ways.

The Influence Of Addiction

Individuals with substance use struggle often feel adverse effects such as mental instability, physical harm, and social disruption.

How Addiction Impacts Your Body

Using or drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems that affect multiple parts of the body. Drugs and alcohol can alter the way your brain works and communicates. You may notice changes in the behavior of other brain areas involved with decision-making or behavior regulation as your addiction grows.

A long-term alcohol intake or abuse of drugs can damage your heart. It may lead to arrhythmias or strokes, as well as cardiomyopathy. Alcoholism, cirrhosis, steatosis, and fibrosis can all be caused by heavy drinking.

How Addiction Affects Your Mental Health

Addiction and alcohol use can interfere with brain chemicals vital for mental health. Ironically, some people abuse drugs or drink to feel better.

Alcohol and other drugs are still considered depressants. Drinking too much alcohol and drugs can lead to depression or anxiety, which makes stress more difficult to manage.

How Addiction Impacts Your Social Life

Most drug abuse occurs in private areas because the substances are not illegal. However, these individuals are still impulsive. While some people enjoy drinking socially and others may be more cautious after having too many, they can also become unpredictable and unreliable.

People with an addiction to drugs and alcohols often lose interest or have little time for hobbies. Aside from the inhumane treatment they show, they can also be at risk of losing close friends or family members.

Family and friends of someone struggling with substance abuse or addiction are affected in many ways.

Family or friends may experience anger, frustrations, and anxiety.

Substance use and money spent on it can lead to financial problems.

Risk Factors For Substance Abuse

Along with the many ways addiction can negatively impact your life there are several dangerous factors to harm from drugs or alcohol.

Your mental health and mood as well as your environment can impact the way you think and react to situations.

It does not matter if you mix alcohol with drugs.

Don’t forget that addiction can be a universal problem. Your body can be affected differently by different substances. A higher likelihood of developing an addiction is the greater amount you consume alcohol or other substances.

Group sessions are an important part of addiction recovery. They provide a support system for people in recovery and help them to stay on track. In group sessions, people in recovery share their experiences and offer support to each other. This can be a valuable experience for everyone involved.