The Side Effects of Drug Use
What Are the Side Effects of Drug Abuse? | Get Help for the Side Effects of Drugs With a Free Clinical Assessment: Call Now
When you mention drugs, most people can rattle off a couple of side effects that they associate with them. But there is much more to the story, with some side effects of drug abuse being immediate and others long-lasting. There are side effects that only affect the individual and others that extend to friends and family, too. If you are dealing with drug use or you have a family member who is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to understand what addiction side effects look like and what can be done about them.
Physical Side Effects
The physical substance abuse side effects are often the most noticeable. A person’s appearance can change dramatically as their addiction progresses. Severe changes in weight, a lack of energy or an abnormal increase in energy, and neglecting self-care are all signs that something’s going on with an individual. The type of substance, the length of time it has been taken, and how often a person participates in drug use will influence the specific physical changes. When coupled with behavioral or psychological changes, the results can be a serious transformation in how a person looks, acts, and feels.
These side effects should be addressed from the very beginning of treatment, starting with a medically assisted detox. In a safe and comfortable rehab environment, patients are able to get the substance out of their bodies and take the first steps toward starting over. At Tampa Drug Treatment Centers, a qualified medical staff that understands just what it takes to get the body through this transition oversees the entire process.
Psychological Side Effects
There are also side effects of drugs that may not be as obvious to an outside observer. Behavioral changes can indicate that there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. For example, some people may lose their inhibitions and participate in risky behavior, while others may become paranoid and experience an increase in anxiety. These side effects are often dealt with using treatment methods such as individual and group therapy. Participants can talk to a professional about what they are feeling and how it is affecting their everyday lives. In addition to learning more about the side effects of drugs, the patient can consider what other factors might be influencing their thoughts and behaviors, which can sometimes result in a dual diagnosis. When this occurs, treatment is personalized to the individual’s needs, including medication and/or therapy to address both the addiction and the co-occurring disorder.
The Effects on Other People
An addict may notice the physical and psychological drug abuse side effects within themselves, but they often overlook the effects they are having on other people. Friends and family often feel helpless as they watch a loved one fall into the trap of substance abuse. It can be frustrating and heartbreaking. When users begin to lie, manipulate, and become violent, relationships become strained and things go from bad to worse. Sometimes, it takes an intervention to bring these things to an addict’s attention.
At Tampa Drug Treatment Center, we work with patients and their families to come up with a customized plan tailored to the needs of each individual, no matter what effects they may be struggling with or how severe their addiction may be. With a wide variety of services, including alternative treatment programs and private counseling, we strive to offer everything necessary for successful recovery. Whether you are worried about the physical side effects of drug abuse, the psychological changes that are taking place, or the effects that your choices have on those around you, now is the time to make a change and get help at a high-quality rehabilitation center. Call Tampa Drug Treatment Center today or fill out the form to get a free clinical assessment and take the first step toward starting treatment.