Long Term Consequences of Drug Use

Everyone makes mistakes. However, some people make bigger mistakes than others. We may do things when we are young that we would never do when we get older and wiser. Drugs can come into anyone's life, and some are not strong enough to ignore the temptation, especially at a younger age. If you are currently trying to get off of drugs, or have successfully done so, you should think about the long term consequences of drug use and what it may mean to your life. If you have teenagers and you are talking to them about drugs, these are things you should discuss with them too.

For some people, the consequences of drug use in the long term are going to be medical issues. Some drugs can do a lot of damage to the liver. The liver has some capacity to recover from some abuse, but you never know what long term damage may occur. Drugs can damage the heart, brain, and other vital organs. You may be okay for a while, but as you age you may run into some medical problems that you would not have had otherwise. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor about your past troubles with drugs. It is not a time to be embarrassed. The information could help them find the best method of treating your issue.

There is going to be an ongoing stigma that you may endure as just one of the consequences of drug use. People do things when they are on drugs, or trying to get more drugs, that they would never do otherwise. This includes committing crimes. Sometimes, they commit crimes against those that love them. Addicts often steal from family members to pay for their habits. Your may be clean and sober, but the effects of your actions are going to hang around. A good therapist can guide you through how to address and fix these issues.

Depending on how visible your problems were with substance abuse, your reputation where you live could be tarnished for a long time to come, even when you have been clean for quite a long time. Some people that have been heavily into drugs and then cleaned up have had to move to start over again. This is a bigger problem if you live in a small town. At times, you may not get jobs because of your reputation, even if they claim that is not the problem. If you have moved on but no one else can, it may be time to make a change to start over again, if that is possible.

Lastly, one of the worst consequences of drug use in the long term is that you are always going to be tempted by drugs. Not only that, you are more likely to end up as an alcoholic, as some just trade in one addiction for a different one. There are programs that help, long after you are sober, and as always, therapists with experience in this type of problem. Staying strong is hard. Be proud of each day that you are clean, but remember you are only human. If you need help, get it. It is the best thing that you can do for your life.