Impact Of Drugs and Alcohol Addiction on Mental Health

Unhealthy smoking and drinking practices can become an addiction over time. Drug and alcohol addiction is a one-way road, and a person traveling down this forbidden path finds it extremely hard to turn a new leaf. Once a bad habit turns into an addiction, it not only affects the physical well-being of the person but also takes a toll on their mental health. Let us discuss the ill effects of addiction and its profound impact on mental health.

Impact on Mental Health

Oftentimes, people associate drinking and other substance abuse habits with deteriorating physical health. They talk about how too much substance use can lead to stroke and affect the functioning of the other organs in the body. However, the mental well-being of the victims is conveniently forgotten by both family members and society. Some social initiatives like the Miami alcohol and drug rehab program stress the need to focus on the mental health of the victims. So here are some of the commonly found issues related to mental health

Feeling paranoid

Consumption of drugs, in the long run, can make the person experience things that they wouldn’t experience if sober. This includes seeing, hearing, and believing things that a person in a normal state of mind would not. This problem is referred to as psychosis by medical experts. The state of going paranoid happens over a period. When the initial signs of mental ill-health are ignored, it can drastically affect the person, leading to a fatal end.

Abnormal behavior

Abnormal behavior is a result of irresponsible drinking habits. It is a common sight that an overly drunk person causes chaos and lacks decorum. They can turn abusive both verbally and physically, ending up assaulting their family and friends. Such eccentric behavior is a sure sign that the person’s mental health is spiraling downward. While the initial stages of such behavior may not be wilful, later on, they make it a habit of becoming aggressive in general.

Lack of social aptitude

A person who succumbs to drugs and alcohol shows signs of poor memory and lacks judgment. This is the stage where the person starts to lose social aptitude. Their behavior in public, level of thinking, and understanding of things go amiss. They grow forgetful of the incidents happening around them, the people they know, and basically anything they would know if they were sober. Poor memory and weakening social skills result in an unstable mind, which pulls the person further into the traps of addiction.

Detached and secluded

People who consume drugs use it as a source of pleasure. They see drugs as a portal to escape reality and feel elated and forgetful of their problems and responsibilities. They consider these substances an integral part of their lives. It becomes more important than family and friends. That is why people who are prone to different forms of addiction isolate themselves. This detachment often leads to disastrous and fatal outcomes in the long run. Deaddiction centers such as WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab emphasize families look out for their dear ones. The earlier these signs are identified, the quicker the recovery.

Anxiety and Depression

Almost all mental health hazards end up in depression and anxiety. A lot of people start experiencing panic attacks during this phase. The sad reality of drug abusers is that they realize that the substances that once gave them pleasure are ruining their lives. Though they try to be mindful of their behavior, their addiction will stand as a hurdle. The non-availability of substances, lack of funds, and inability to control their craving all drag them down to a pitiable and depressed state.

If they do not get the appropriate help even in this phase, there will probably be no better time.

Conclusion

In general, people who have a substance use disorder make extreme decisions when they do not have anyone to confide in. A small act of kindness can help them to a greater extent, such as listening to them and making them feel included. On the same note, it is important to understand that mental illness and depression exist, and treatment for the same is very much available. Be aware and help your dear ones.