Man on a Beach

The physical effects of substance abuse are well known, including damage to the liver, increased cardiovascular risk, difficulties regulating sleep and appetite, and the possibility of overdose. However, less attention is given to the effects of drug or alcohol addiction on a person’s behavior. Because these drugs affect brain functioning, they can lead to profound behavioral changes that significant impair a person’s ability to live a rich, fulfilling life.

Difficulty Maintaining Employment

According to addiction researchers, nearly 1 in 6 unemployed Americans are dealing with drug or alcohol abuse. The relationship between substance abuse and unemployment is bidirectional. People who have been laid off or are having difficulty finding work often become depressed, anxious, or socially isolated. These psychological factors increase alcohol and drug use, which may cause a person to become addicted.

The opposite relationship is also true. People struggling with addiction experience profound behavioral changes, including irritability, difficulty maintaining a set schedule, or problems reacting appropriately to stressful situations. They may stop coming to work consistently or get in arguments with a supervisor. This often leads to getting fired, loss of positive recommendations from previous employers, and difficulty finding a new job.

Anger and Outbursts

There are many reasons that people dealing with addiction seem more irritable or angry. One is that the drugs actually change brain connections, leading to mood changes and irritability. Additionally, working through addiction issues may feel scary or isolating. People sometimes report that they feel out of control or judged by family members, causing them to lash out. When in treatment, working with a psychologist to process these angry feelings is an important step in creating a more balanced life.

Problems in Close Interpersonal Relationships

Research indicates that when one partner is struggling with alcohol abuse, the risk of divorce or breakup increases by 400%. Addiction places an enormous strain on relationships, particularly marriages or close romantic relationships. The partner dealing with addiction may become short-tempered, have difficulty communicating, or even engage in violent behaviors. As a result, interpersonal conflict increases and frequently leads to severing the relationship.

However, addiction doesn’t just affect marriages. All people who are close to someone struggling with addiction can feel its effects. Family members may become estranged, friends may endure increasingly rocky relationships, and even work colleagues may express concern about drug or alcohol use. Experts recommend that friends and loved ones attend Al-Anon or similar meetings to learn how to deal effectively with someone working through addiction issues.

Significant Drug Cravings

One of the strongest behavioral issues related to drug abuse is constant, powerful cravings for the drug. When a person begins using drugs, the brain’s pleasure centers are strongly activated. After that, the brain begins telling the person that more of the drug is needed to get that “high” feeling. Over time, the brain and body come to depend on the drug to feel normal. As a result, a person experiences strong cravings as the drug begins to leave the system.

Drug cravings are often so strong that they cause a person to go to great lengths to seek more of the drug. Individuals dealing with an addiction may behave erratically, skip important obligations, or become obsessed with getting more of the substance. Identifying triggers for cravings and learning how to work through these urges is a primary focus of therapy for addiction.

Engaging in Risky Activities

Drug abuse is also associated with an increased incidence of risky activities. Some of these activities may be directly related to the drug use; for example, heroin users may use dirty needles to support their drug habit. Other activities are a consequence of being under the influence of drugs. Driving while drunk, engaging in unprotected sex, or gambling while under the influence are examples of this. In other cases, a person may begin engaging in risky activities to seek a new type of thrill. Trying to replicate the high of drug use by doing adrenaline-boosting activities may be a way to attempting to cope with addiction.

Regardless of the origin of risky behaviors, entering professional rehab is the strongest way to promote stability. Maintaining sobriety and recognizing the consequences of actions on other people is an important step in the recovery process.

You May Also Like: