Substance abuse is a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 19 million Americans suffer from a substance use disorder. While some people are able to quit on their own, many find it difficult to break the habit. At Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we offer integrative, holistic, and personalized care to help our patients overcome addiction.
We use a Lifestyle Enrichment Treatment technique that includes counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and social support. Our goal is to help our patients achieve sobriety and live productive, healthy lives. We urge you to seek help at Southside Medical Center if you are struggling with addiction. We are here to help you on your journey to recovery.
What Happens if Substance Abuse Goes Untreated?
Addiction
The road to addiction begins with experimentation. People try drugs for various reasons: peer pressure, curiosity, boredom, and more. In many cases, people who experiment with drugs don’t go on to develop an addiction. However, some people do become addicted after trying drugs.
There are many factors that can contribute to addiction. For example, people who have mental health disorders or who come from families with a history of addiction are more likely than others to develop an addiction. Additionally, people who start using drugs at a young age are also more likely to become addicted.
Signs of Addiction
There are many signs that can indicate someone is struggling with addiction. For example, they may start using drugs more frequently or in greater quantities than they originally intended. They may also start neglecting their responsibilities at home, work, or school. Additionally, they may begin engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
People who are addicted may also experience financial problems due to their drug use. For example, they may spend all their money on drugs or steal money to pay for their habit. Additionally, they may lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy and isolate themselves from friends and family members.
Physical Health Decline
Substance abuse takes a toll on the body. The organs are affected, as well as the musculoskeletal system. Common health problems associated with drug abuse include liver damage, lung damage, heart damage, and brain damage. These health problems can lead to other issues such as cancer, strokes, seizures, and even death. Additionally, continued abuse can weaken the immune system, making the person more susceptible to illnesses.
There are several signs of physical decline from drug abuse. These signs include weight loss or gain, change in eating habits, change in sleeping habits, fatigue, tremors, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and dilated pupils.
Mental Health Decline
In addition to physical health problems, drug abuse can also lead to mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems associated with continued drug abuse. Additionally, drug abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. People who suffer from mental health problems are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate.
There are several signs of mental decline to watch out for. These signs include withdrawal from social activities, problem at work or school, and relationship problems. The person may also experience changes in mood, behavior, and appearance.
Violence or Aggressive Behavior
There are a number of reasons why abuse of substances can lead to violence. First and foremost, substances can change the way a person thinks and acts. They can make a person more impulsive and less able to control their emotions.
Additionally, substances can impair a person’s judgment, making them more likely to engage in risky or dangerous behaviors. Finally, people who abuse substances are more likely to be involved in illegal activities, which can increase the likelihood of violence.
Why This Is Such a Serious Issue
Violence is a serious public health problem. Each year, thousands of Americans are injured or killed as a result of violence. This not only takes an emotional toll on those affected by it, but also a financial one.
When drug abuse is thrown into the mix, the problem becomes even more complicated — and even more dangerous. That’s why it’s so crucial to be aware of the link between abuse of substance and violence and to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with either issue.
Social Problems
Each year, drugs and alcohol abuse causes Americans billions of dollars in damages, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and law enforcement expenses. But the cost of drug abuse goes beyond dollars and cents. It also takes a toll on families, friends, and communities. In fact, drug abuse is linked to a wide range of social problems, including crime, homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and more. Here’s a closer look at how drug abuse can lead to social problems:
Crime
Statistics show that up to 50% of crimes are committed under the influence of drugs. Substances like alcohol can lower inhibitions and make people more likely to engage in risky or violent behavior. People who abuse substances are also more likely to be victims of crime.
Homelessness
Studies have shown that as many as one-third of people who are homeless have a substance use disorder. This disorder can lead to homelessness in several ways. First, it can make it difficult for people to keep a job and pay their bills. Second, it can lead to financial problems that make it difficult to afford housing.
Domestic Violence
Studies have shown that 40-60% of domestic violence incidents involve alcohol or drug use by one or both parties. Substances like alcohol can make it difficult for people to control their emotions or think clearly about the consequences of their actions.
Child Abuse and Neglect
As many as 65% of child maltreatment cases involve substance abuse by the parent or caregiver. Substances like alcohol and drugs can make it difficult for parents to care for their children properly. The parents and caregivers may be less likely to provide the children with basic needs like food and shelter or supervision and protection from harm. They may also be more likely than non-using parents to physically or sexually abuse their children.
Employment Problems
Substance use can make it difficult for people to show up for work on time or perform their job duties properly when they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Second, it may cause them to lose their job if they’re caught using drugs at work or if their job performance suffers because of their addiction.
Treatment and Intervention
At Southside Medical Center, we offer a wide range of treatment modalities to manage addiction and drug abuse, including:
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change their behavior. It is based on the idea that all behavior is learned and that unhealthy behaviors can be replaced with healthy ones. Behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in treating many different types of addiction, including substance use, gambling, and eating disorders. The goal of behavioral therapy is to help people identify and overcome the underlying causes of their addiction.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most popular types of behavioral therapy for addiction. It helps people identify negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their addictive behavior. Once these thoughts and beliefs are identified, they can be replaced with more positive ones. This can help people to break free from their addiction and develop a healthier lifestyle.
Counselling
Counselling is a type of therapy that can be used to treat addiction. It can involve one-on-one sessions with a counsellor or group therapy. The goal of counselling is to help people identify the behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to their addiction, and to develop healthier ways of coping with stressors and triggers.
Counselling can also provide support and encouragement as people work to overcome their addiction. In some cases, counselling may be used in conjunction with medication or other types of treatment. For example, people who are addicted to opioids may receive counselling along with medication-assisted treatment.
We’re Here To Help You Get Your Life Back on Track
Left untreated, drug and alcohol use can lead to serious health problems, financial difficulties, and relationship problems. It can also put the person at risk for accidents and legal troubles. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help. Contact Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, today to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.