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Effects of Drug Addiction| Treating Drug Abuse | Addiction Counselling The effects of drug addiction are varied and destructive frequently leading to institutionalisation, imprisonment and even death. Drug addiction is a disease that is progressive, incurable and often fatal. Those addicted to drugs are unable to stop using drugs, and are powerless to stop themselves from actively seeking out and consuming drugs. Drug addiction affects the physical, emotional and social well-being of addicts. The physical effects of drug addiction can range from irregular breathing and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as a sudden gain or loss of weight. Frequently, this soon descends into more serious problems, with long term health consequences including brain damage and heart and lung disease. With many drugs, there is also the ever present danger of a potentially fatal overdose. Emotionally, drug addiction can cause dramatic changes in moods and personality. Violent outbursts and rage are not uncommon, and only add to the drug addict’s isolation from family and friends. The addict is powerless to stop as depression and anxiety increase their craving for more drugs. From a social point of view, those addicted to drugs find that their unreliable behaviour and loss of interest in the aspects of their lives that used to drive them only makes matters worse. Their relationships become rocky, job performance declines, and their constant need for money to buy drugs will often ensure that every part of their lives is directed towards feeding their addiction. Oasis Counselling Centre recognises that it is not enough just to treat the symptoms of drug addiction, but also to help addicts discover and deal with the root causes of their drug addiction. Oasis counsellors’ experience in managing drug addiction has shown that taking a holistic approach to drug addiction treatment, supplemented with a 12 step recovery programme and therapy with qualified addiction specialists, is the best approach to overcoming drug dependency. Oasis Counselling Centre is a well recognised drug and alcohol treatment centre located in Plettenberg Bay, and offer a 12 step recovery program and specialised treatment for drug addiction.