Navigating Addiction – Knowledge is Power

Welcome to a series of articles designed to support individuals new to navigating addiction. Whether you’re personally facing addiction, assisting a loved one in their journey, or simply seeking to learn more about addiction, this series offers a roadmap for developing a fundamental grasp of addiction, both for oneself and for others.

 As a very high level introduction, substance abuse disorders are a serious problem that affects many people and have a big impact on society. These disorders occur when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a way that causes serious harm to their health, relationships, and daily life. Let’s look at how this problem can impact the person with the disorder.

Health Issues

 First, people with substance abuse disorders often face many health issues. For example, they may suffer from heart disease, liver damage and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that “about half of individuals who experience a mental illness during their lives will also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa” (SAMHSA, 2019).

Managing Daily Life

 Secondly, substance abuse can make it difficult for people to manage their daily lives. It can lead to problems at work, school, and home. People with substance abuse disorders might struggle to keep a job or stay in school. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “alcohol use disorder is associated with numerous social and behavioral problems, including difficulties at work and school, legal problems, and relationship issues” (NIAAA, 2020). Living a normal life with a substance abuse disorder is difficult to achieve.

Relationships

 Additionally, relationships often suffer when someone has a substance abuse disorder. Family and friends might feel hurt, angry, or betrayed. Substance abuse can lead to arguments, broken trust, and even separation or divorce. The American Psychological Association reports that “substance abuse can lead to dysfunctional family behaviors, including physical or emotional abuse, neglect, and codependency” (APA, 2019). Addiction can hurt not just the individual but also their loved ones.

 If the person suffers from a substance addiction, they can introduce risks to their child’s healthy development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “parental substance use and addiction can have a significant impact on children, leading to neglect, abuse, and long-term emotional and psychological damage” (AAP, 2017).

 Financial Issues

Lastly, substance abuse can be very expensive. People might spend a lot of money on drugs or alcohol, leading to financial problems. They might also face legal costs if they get into trouble with the law. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that “substance use disorders can lead to significant financial problems, including job loss, bankruptcy, and increased health care costs” (NIDA, 2020). An addiction can lead to serious money problems.

 Summary

As you can see, those who are suffering can greatly benefit from learning the ins and outs of navigating addiction.  Through this series of articles, we aim to provide guidance and insights to help navigate the complexities of addiction, offering support and resources along the way. Whether you’re taking your first steps towards recovery or seeking to support someone else in theirs, our series is here to accompany you on your journey.

 You can access the articles in this series through the article slider above or from the snippets below.  We’re here to empower you every step of the way.

 Resources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)