This article discusses how addiction affects one’s life, and better explains the challenges and struggles that addicts go through. How does addiction affect one’s life?
Written & Illustrated by Nursyahirah
Addiction is something that many people struggle with. As we do not understand what addicts have to deal with, they often hide their compulsive behaviours for fear of being judged by society. When one is addicted to something, it causes them to consume or use it without moderation. This can lead to physical health complications and mental health altercations.
For example, when one is addicted to substances they are at risk of heart disorders and brain damage. This is a long-term disease that is life-changing and will be very damaging to the individual as well as their important organs are affected. Statistics show that being addicted to drugs,alcohol and cigarettes kill 11.8 million people a year, a number significantly higher than the death rate caused by cancer.
When it comes to mental health, addicts will be more susceptible to disorders such as depression, anxiety and others. This will not only affect their life, but also the people around them. Social interactions and relationships between the addict and the people around them will be compromised. The addict ends up feeling isolated, which will only further damage their mental health. 37% of alcohol addicts and 53% of drug addicts have at least one mental illness according to statistics.
Lastly, addiction can cause financial problems. As addicts tend to overconsume, this will cause immense financial strain. They will tend to forgo necessities such as food or paying their bills to support their addiction habits. In the long run, they will find themselves struggling to finance their day-to-day routine,and inevitably fall back to their addictions to cope, creating a vicious cycle.