INFORMATIVE SPEECH

EFFECTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

OVERVIEW
Drug addiction, also called substance abuse disorder is a disease that affects a
person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of drug
medication. When you are addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm
it causes.
Impact of substance abuse
1. Physical health
2. Mental health
3. Family
4. Social environment
How to fight addiction

BODY
Impacts of drug abuse on:
Physical Health

Chronic (long-term) abuse of drugs or alcohol can lead to any number of physical

health problems, deteriorating the metabolic function, tissue and immune system.
These are often aggravated by poor sleeping and eating habits, degrading hygiene,
unreliable medication intake, lack of exercise and hydration.
Risky behaviors presented concurrently with substances consumption –if not abuse- are
associated with a higher risk of STDs and injury, notably including accidents caused
when driving under the influence.
Prolonged or extreme intoxication also induces withdrawal symptoms when
consumption stops which may be severe enough to cause comatose states or death.

Mental Health

The selfish behavior that accompanies the mental obsession and physical
compulsion to get, use and obtain more drugs or alcohol – addicts obsess with
gratifying their need to use, and direct their thoughts and actions to this end –
progressively degrade the addict’s moral compass, causing spiritual distress,
entrenching deep anger, shame and guilt and engendering neurosis.
Most people suffering from addiction also present mental health issues such as
depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorders and suicidal tendencies. Higher
rates of borderline personality disorders, schizophrenia and a broad range of other
disorders are also frequently presented.
While it is true that these conditions may be induced by substance abuse, they are most
often underlying and aggravated by the abuse, which generally serves as self-
medication.
Mental health issues are brought about or aggravated “chemically” by the substances –
for example cases of schizophrenia have been associated with the use of
hallucinogenic drugs, research is yet to confirm a direct link – but also by associated
behaviors. In particular, repeated use of mind-altering substances causes
gradual dissociation from reality and drug users are prone to sleep deprivation from
both low quality and insufficient sleep.

Family
Living with somebody who abuses substances is difficult. An addict’s mood is
erratic, and can range from abusive to lethargic, via overly excitable and reckless, with
possible rapid changes between these states, whether or not when under the influence.
Addicts tend to feel victimized and blame others for their condition and the
consequences of their using. Chaotic behavior includes reckless use of money, often at
the expense of household maintenance, and addicts often fail to carry their weight in
running a home, and add to the burden.

Social Environment

Drug use affects performance substantially, and lead to absenteeism, either to

recuperate from a binge or to indulge in using. Erratic behavior also create a hostile
environment. At work or school, poor performance, unreliability and temper eventually
lead to disciplinary action, then job loss or expulsion. Socially speaking, addiction
results in loss of productivity, and decreases in tax intake.
Increased rates of addiction and diseases associated with substance abuse put a strain
on the medical system. Addicted patients are rarely cooperative at first, underestimate
their condition, often present a dual diagnosis with mental health issues, do not take
their meds responsibly and more often than not require long-term or repeated care.

How to fight addiction

Developing an addiction to drugs is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness,
and it takes more than willpower to overcome the problem. Abusing illegal or certain
prescription drugs can create changes in the brain, causing powerful cravings and a
compulsion to use that makes sobriety seem like an impossible goal. However, recovery
is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems or how many times
you have tried and failed before. With the right treatment and support, change is always
possible.

Explore your addiction treatment options

Once you have committed to recovery, it is time to explore your treatment choices.
While addiction treatment can vary according to the specific drug, a successful program
often includes different elements, such as:

Detoxification - Usually the first step is to purge your body of drugs and manage
withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral counseling - Individual, group, and/or family therapy can help you identify the
root causes of your drug use, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills.

Medication may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, or treat any

co-occurring mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.

Long-term follow-up can help to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. This may
include attending regular in-person support groups or online meetings to help keep your
recovery on track.