“I lost everything…”
This is a phrase that is often heard from people who have hit rock bottom due to their substance abuse problems. Many people tell stories of losing everything dear to them because of their addiction.
Getting back what they lost is, therefore, one of the primary reasons why many people choose to enter recovery.
But what does “everything” really means? What do people who suffer from drug addiction lose?
Of course, every person’s experience is different and what happens to one may not necessarily be similar to another’s journey.
If you are suffering from substance abuse issues, here are some of the common things you risk of losing.
Family
Losing a parent, a child and a partner is one of the most common things that normally happen when someone is into drugs. While there are family members who will be supportive of your recovery and rehabilitation, there will also be those who will distance themselves from you.
If you repeatedly go in and out of rehab, even supportive family members may start detaching with love. This may not necessarily mean physically abandoning or cutting you off but it will certainly alter the relationship. Even after you become sober, expect that the relationship may never be the same again.
Friends
Friends who are sober and are not tolerant of drug use may start distancing themselves from a person who has substance abuse issues. It should not be a surprise to you if invitations to dinners, birthday parties, and events will start to trickle down.
Some of your closest friends may try to encourage you to go into recovery but still, they wouldn’t want you around them or their family just like old times.
What is sad is that many people with substance abuse issues find themselves either alone or surrounded by other drug users. These situations can even bury them deeper into their addiction. If you find yourself alone, it is important to seek professional help.
Career
Drug use can majorly affect your behavior and the way your mental processes work. When you are always high, chances are, it will be difficult for you to focus on your tasks that is if you even manage to turn up.
The drugs’ side effects on your brain can cause you to make irreparable mistakes that could cost the company a lot of money.
Many companies also have strict drug use policies. If you are caught using drugs after a company drug test, this could result in you losing your job.
Depending on the industry you work in, it could be difficult for you to find a replacement job right away. This could lead to financial problems.
Home
Losing your place of residence is also another thing that you risk losing because of drug addiction. There are different ways on how an addict can be legally kicked out of the house. If you rent your place, your landlord could legally kick you out if drug use is prohibited clause in the tenancy contract that you agreed on. If you are late on rental payments, this is also another reason for the landlord to ask you to leave.
If you live with your family, like your parents or your spouse, they can go to legal measures to get you out of the house. They can prove that you pose a danger to the family which could legally give them the right to ask you to leave.
If you are paying a mortgage, the inability to pay due to financial issues like losing your job or being in debt can result in you losing your house.
Health
One of the most precious things that you can lose due to substance abuse is your good health. Abusing drugs can affect your looks, your body, and your brain. These effects will manifest internally as well as physically. Your appearance will change depending on the drugs that you are abusing. Your eyes, skin, and even your teeth could deteriorate which could give you a zombie-like appearance.
What is more dangerous is how drug abuse affects the functions of your internal organs. It can cause long-term health problems that will not only cause extreme pain but also affect your daily life and behavior. There have also been many reports of people who have developed mental issues due to drug addiction.
Myself
Lastly, when you are addicted to drugs, what you risk losing is yourself.
You have so much potential. You are created to become an amazing and strong person. Don’t throw all of this away because of a temporary high. Believe that you can power through the challenges you are facing right now, without resorting to drug use.
You are worth it.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
