What are the costs of drug and alcohol addiction?

Drug addicts and alcoholics continue to use despite the harmful effects of consuming drugs and alcohol. Addiction has severe consequences for the person using as well as for the addict’s family and close friends. Getting professional help is a priority as the costs of drug and alcohol addiction increase as the disease of addiction remains untreated.

Drugs and alcohol addiction often leads to a number of serious physical health problems and can even ultimately prove fatal. Addicts may be fully aware of the health implications of abusing alcohol and may experience feelings of guilt and low self-esteem because they are unable to stop.

The costs of drug and alcohol addiction are numerous and wide ranging. In addition to the health costs, the effects on the addict’s finances and career security can be overwhelming. Addicts continue using drugs and alcohol even when it compromises their ability to perform their jobs adequately. Some addicts find it impossible to even keep a job. There is also the cost of drugs themselves. Addicts will continue to spend money on drugs and alcohol whether they can afford to or not.

The personal costs of drug and alcohol addiction are no less devastating. Addicts often find relationships with even close family and friends becoming strained or antagonistic. Addicts often develop unhealthy relationships, sometimes with other addicts, and may even become estranged from loved ones.

The costs of drug and alcohol addiction are so high, and yet the disease of addiction makes it extremely difficult to stop using for any substantial period of time. Addicts require urgent professional help to treat the underlying causes of addiction and repair the damage caused by addiction.

Oasis Counselling Centre provides professional in-patient addiction treatment in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Oasis provides holistic addiction counselling to help addicts manage addiction and regain control of their lives.