Does Addiction Get Worse Over Time?

This is a question that many people ask, and the answer is not always clear. Addiction can be a progressive disease, which means that it often gets worse over time if it is not treated. However, this does not mean that addiction gets worse automatically. Many factors can affect the course of addiction, and some people can stop using drugs or alcohol without any problems.

First, it is important to understand drug and alcohol addiction. Many people don’t get help due to a lack of understanding. According to the CDC, the cost of alcohol misuse in the United States was estimated to be $185 billion in 1998.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that can have various effects on the body and mind. It can be progressive, which means it often gets worse over time if it is not treated. There are many consequences of addiction, both in the short and long term.

However, it can be difficult to understand addition because it often doesn’t follow a linear path. For example, some people may use drugs or alcohol for years without any problems, while others may start using and quickly develop an addiction.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 10 percent of chronic pain patients misuse prescription opioids. Unfortunately, this misuse can lead to addiction, which often worsens over time. Issues like this make understanding addiction difficult, as there are often no clear warning signs.

What Does Chronic Disease Mean in Addiction?

Substance abuse is a long-term illness that should be treated as such. Because substance use disorder can be a lifelong battle, it necessitates a commitment to treatment and maintaining good health, just like other long-term diseases.

Like other diseases, addiction often has treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and live healthy lives. However, this requires a comprehensive approach that includes detox, therapy, and aftercare.

Does Addiction Get Worse Over Time?

Addiction is a complex disease that can have various effects on the body and mind. In addition, it can be progressive, which means it often worsens over time if it is not treated.

It is important to get help early on because the longer someone waits to get treatment, the worse their addiction will become. Chronic substance abuse can cause serious health problems, including organ damage, cognitive impairment, and mental health conditions. 

The effects of drug and alcohol addiction can be very serious, and getting help as soon as possible is important.

Long-Term Effects of Using Drugs & Alcohol

The long-term effects of substance abuse can cause a variety of problems in the long term. Drug abuse and alcohol abuse both have long-term effects. These effects can be physical, mental, and emotional.

Physical Effects

The physical effects are often easier to spot than the mental or emotional ones. Some of the physical effects of substance abuse include:

• Organ damage
• Issues with cognitive functions
• Memory problems
• Loss of coordination

Mental Effects

Mental health conditions can be just as dangerous as physical ones and harder to diagnose. Some of the mental effects of substance abuse include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Paranoia

Emotional Effects

The emotional effects of substance abuse can be difficult to deal with. They can often lead to problems in relationships and at work. Some of the emotional effects of substance abuse include:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anger
• Isolation

Risk Factors for Drug and Alcohol Abuse

There are many risk factors for developing a substance use disorder. Some of these include:

• Mental health disorders: People with mental health disorders are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.
• Family history: If you have a family member with substance abuse problems, you’re more likely to have them as well.
• Trauma: People who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop an addiction.
• Environment: People who grow up in an environment where substance abuse is common are more likely to develop an addiction.
• Stressful life events: Stressful life events, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, can trigger addiction.
• Peer pressure: Peer pressure can often lead to people trying drugs or alcohol.

How to Get Help for Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, many resources and treatment options are available to help. Here are some places to start:

• Detox: Detox is the first step in getting sober. People can do it at home or in a medical facility for alcohol and drug abuse. 
• Inpatient rehab: Inpatient rehab is a type of treatment where you stay at a facility and receive 24-hour care.
• Outpatient rehab: Outpatient rehab is a type of treatment where you go to a facility for a few hours a day and then go home.
• Support groups: Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can help you stay sober.
• Therapy: Therapy can help you deal with the underlying issues that led to your addiction.

If you are struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery. 40% to 60% of people working to overcome drug or alcohol abuse will relapse at some point, making treatment an important aspect of addiction.

Agape Detox is here to help those struggling with addiction get their life back on track. We offer various treatment options, including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, support groups, and therapy. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you get on the road to recovery.