The Cost of Addiction on Your Life

The Cost of Addiction on Your Life

• Mandy Sandhu
• 28 Feb 2021

Addiction, whether it be to substances or alcohol, is detrimental to a person suffering from it and to the people close to them. The cost of addiction bears many negative effects on important life foundations, such as family ties, social relationships, careers, and financial stability. In fact, there is a strong correlation between addiction and poverty, and this is only one of the ruinous effects of substance abuse.

Let’s look at how addiction affects individuals in several different facets of life.

The Cost of Addiction on Mental Health 

Perhaps one of the main effects of addiction is the deterioration of one’s mental health. Anxiety and depression are often experienced by individuals suffering from substance abuse. 

According to a 2008 study published by the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, individuals experiencing substance abuse problems are three times more likely to develop a mental illness. Additionally, 15% of people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction already have a co-occurring mental illness. 

A separate research article indicates that co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health concerns are more common than many realize. A staggering 50% of individuals with mental disorders are strongly affected by substance abuse. 

Individuals suffering from substance abuse often feel like each day is a drag, leading to feelings of depression and mood swings. Knowing that a drinking or a drug habit is a problem also leads to constant lying, in which the individual hides the frequency of their intake. Using drugs or drinking alcohol is a form of escapism or to “feel normal.” 

A more serious cost of addiction to one’s mental state is the urge to hurt oneself, such as slashing, burning, or carving the skin. Like self-harm, drug-induced psychosis is a common effect of substance abuse, and it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Additional Effects of Addiction to One’s Mental Health: 

• Development of mental health concerns
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
• Impulsivity
• Reckless behaviour
• Faulty sleeping patterns
• Loss of appetite or interest in activities
• Grandiose beliefs that often lead to other mental illnesses 
• Extreme irritability and loss of concentration

The cost of addiction is not limited to mental health matters, as it can greatly affect relationships and family ties. Let’s look at these effects below.

The Cost of Addiction on Family Ties and Relationships

Alcohol or drug abuse is a personal experience, but it can have devastating effects on the people directly involved with the addicted individual, such as family members and friends. Spouses or partners, children, siblings, and parents experience emotional consequences dealing with the affected individual. 

Psychology Today reports that 1 in every 5 children grow up in a home where a parent abuses drugs or alcohol. This kind of home environment can be detrimental to a child’s growth as they lack proper guidance and protection. Children who grow up in families dealing with substance abuse often feel neglected, and can develop issues of their own.

The cost of addiction on family life and friendships can be permanent, as peaceful homes can be divided and trust issues are often developed. 

Additional Effects of Addiction to Family and Friends: 

• Constant lying and secretive behaviour 
• Difficulty in communicating resulting in conflict amongst family members
• Neglecting responsibilities and promises
• Signs of aggressive behaviour
• Financial issues caused by money spent on drugs and alcohol, or stealing
• Siblings become affected
• Possible separation of partners or spouses
• Causes long-term resentment
• Codependency

These symptoms can lead to more serious effects, as it is found that substance abuse from a family member can cause other family members to go down a similar path. If a family member is experiencing substance abuse, you seek support and guidance on how to help them start their path towards sobriety. The cost of drug addiction treatment could be worth it, especially if it leads to an improved home life.

The cost of addiction doesn’t have to permanently ruin your personal relationships. Freedom from Addiction offers Family Programs in Toronto to help family members and friends deal with concerns regarding substance abuse in the home. 

The Cost of Addiction on Careers and Professional Life 

Dealing with substance abuse is a serious risk in maintaining one’s job, especially when productivity is heavily affected. According to a study published in 2019, Canada lost at least $4.7 billion in labour productivity due to the opioid crisis and other drug-related issues. 

The cost of addiction among Canadian workers creates expensive social, medical, and other work-related problems that affect employers and co-workers in many ways.

Additional Effects of Substance Abuse in the Workplace: 

• Threatened public safety for outdoor jobs
• Impaired job performance
• Loss of efficiency
• Theft
• Alienation in the workplace
• Illegal activities at work
• Tardiness 
• Cause of low morale to other co-workers
• Loss of job
• Lack of ambition

Aside from being an unreliable employee, co-workers tend to lose their trust in someone who is frequently exhibiting signs of addiction. When an individual is abusing drugs or alcohol in the workplace, disciplinary actions are met, which can result in termination and financial problems. 

Experiencing the Cost of Addiction First Hand?

Your family life, career, friendships, and personal growth don’t have to suffer when you, or someone close to you experience substance abuse. Considering treatment and recovery programs is the most important step to take when choosing the path to sobriety.

Freedom From Addiction prides itself on developing programs that are led by our medical professionals and therapists to ensure that all our clients get the proper care they deserve. From the moment they come into our world-class premises up until they reach sobriety and continuing care, our staff is always ready to guide them every step of the way. 

For more information about our drug addiction treatments, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. A member of our team will get back to you shortly. Contact us today.