The 5 consequences (psychological and relational) of addiction

There comes a point when the need to consume takes over the addict.

The reasons and circumstances why a person consumes substances in a compulsive and addictive way are as many as there are people who consume. Each one will have their own motives, causes and effects, different in every human being. However, similarities can be established in consequences in severe cases of substance addiction.. Precisely this is what we will talk about in this article.

The consequences of addiction

Next you can find a review to the main consequences of the consumption of substances.

1. Lack of vital sense

One of the aspects that is usually repeated in at least most of the cases, is the feeling that life has no meaningThe addict may also feel a lack of motivation to progress, to hold a job, study or social ties; or, also, the idea that he/she will not be able to change and improve the quality of life, as if the addiction were imposed and the person could not have any influence on it. In short, feeling depressed, without strength, "lost".

2. Low self-esteem and feeling of self-efficacy

Using substances to silence or stop the anguished thinking, evade, calm down, escape, from what? Probably from oneself, from one's fears, anguish accumulated over the years, frustrations, pain... escaping from being who one really is, hiding behind the "protective mask" that builds an addiction.

Generally experiencing low self-esteem and poor self-concept, addicts perceive themselves as undeserving and unworthy. perceive themselves as undeserving of good things.They label themselves as "losers". They feel they have lost their dignity, they feel they are "nobody". They feel that they should be left alone, as if they do not deserve to have a worthy companion, (even though they really shudder at the thought of being alone).

For the compulsive user to begin the path away from drugs, it will be necessary to come to the idea that he/she is going through a health problem, something beyond their control and will.. To be able to make a change depends on wanting to do it, and for this it is often necessary to "hit bottom", which helps to reflect.

In fact, as long as a subjective weakening persists, it will be very difficult for the person to gain the necessary strength to decide to make changes in the lifestyle he/she is leading, because there is vulnerability, confusion, dependence, absence of control over one's own life.

3. Crisis in social ties and loss of control.

Absences appear. To give an example, absences from family events, tours (absences) of several days, disinformation from families regarding the whereabouts and health status of the. Advice, reproaches or the desire for the addicted person to open his or her eyes and decide to stop using are often not enough.

4. Complications at work

As an addiction gradually progresses, difficulties arise in different areas of the person's life. The work area can also be affected. Late arrivals that are followed by absences, accidents at work due to fatigue, or as a residual effect of the use of drugs. or as a residual effect of that consumption that could not be avoided before starting the working day. Or even, in an advanced stage of problematic consumption, choosing to consume substances within the same working hours and context, when self-imposed limits are minimal or nonexistent.

5. Effects on the body

In severe cases of addiction, people fail to take fail to take seriously the consequences of ingesting substances that are harmful to the body. for the organism. And it often happens that people become aware of the body and the damages when they are already advanced and serious. Examples include Heart disease, circulation problems, dysfunctions and pathologies in various organs, especially the liver, ulcer formation, deterioration of the nervous system.

It will be important here to understand that it is a health problem, to accompany as far as possible until the person in question can recognize that he/she has a problem and that this problem has a solution, for which he/she should ask for and accept help. Little by little, the person will stop feeling like nobody to be again, incorporating tools to begin to be able to be, without drugs.